Jan 18, 2025
Breathing, particularly through the nose, plays a significant role in overall health and in growth and development in children, especially in facial structure. Proper nasal breathing helps guide the growth of the upper jaw and promotes proper tooth alignment, while chronic mouth breathing can lead to abnormal facial development and potential issues with growth patterns in children.
Chronic mouth breathing can affect not just health but even behavior and performance.
Key points about breathing and growth:
Effect on children:
• Nasal breathing benefits: When breathing through the nose, the tongue naturally positions itself higher in the mouth, which helps to properly develop the upper jaw and facial structure.
• Mouth breathing concerns: Habitual mouth breathing can lead to a narrow upper jaw, crowded teeth, a long face, altered facial proportions due to improper tongue placement and teeth health.
• Impact on facial development: Studies show a strong connection between mouth breathing and changes in facial growth, with children who mouth breathe often exhibiting a more elongated facial structure.
Effect on children and adults:
• Effect on performance: Chronic mouth breathing can affect behavior and even academic or athletic performance and energy levels.
• Sleep disruption: Mouth breathing can also disrupt sleep patterns, leading to snoring and potential issues with oxygen levels, which can further affect overall development and or performance
Few of the factors that can contribute to mouth breathing:
• Nasal congestion: Allergies, sinus infections, or anatomical issues that obstruct nasal breathing.
• Poor oral habits: Thumb sucking, tongue thrusting etc.
• Improper jaw alignment: Mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth increasing risk for cavities, can also affect airway impacting oxygenation
• Large tonsils or adenoids: Enlarged tissues at the back of the throat can obstruct the airway.
If you are concerned about your or your child’s breathing speak with Dr. Shah to determine how to address it.
