Most parents don’t give much thought to whether their child breathes through their nose or mouth. However, did you know that if your child regularly breathes through their mouth (especially while sleeping), it could impact more than just their breathing? Chronic mouth breathing can also affect how their jaws grow, how their teeth come in, and their overall oral health.
How Mouth Breathing Affects Jaw Development
When your child breathes through their nose, their tongue naturally rests against the roof of their mouth, which is optimal for normal jaw development. But if your child consistently breathes through their mouth, it can cause their tongue position to be lower, which in turn may affect the growth of their upper jaw.
If left unaddressed, chronic mouth breathing may cause your child to develop a narrower upper jaw, a higher palate, and even changes to patterns of facial growth. Before you get too worried, understand that these changes aren’t inevitable; however, they can increase the likelihood of orthodontic concerns as your child grows.
Mouth Breathing and Crooked Teeth
You may not know it, but your child’s tongue, lips, and cheeks all play a part in how their teeth develop and align. When mouth breathing changes the resting position of these muscles, it can affect the balance of pressure around developing teeth.
A narrow upper jaw may leave less room for permanent teeth, potentially contributing to:
- Crowded or crooked teeth
- Crossbites or open bites
- Teeth that protrude
- Bite alignment problems
Addressing mouth breathing early may help reduce the risk of some developmental problems.
How Mouth Breathing Impacts Your Child’s Oral Health
The role of saliva is to protect your child’s teeth by washing away food particles, neutralizing acids, and helping control the growth of harmful bacteria. Unfortunately, constant mouth breathing can dry out oral tissues, reducing saliva’s protective effects.
Children who regularly breathe through their mouths may experience persistent bad breath, irritated gums, and an increased risk of cavities.
When to Talk to Your Child’s Dentist About Mouth Breathing
If your child frequently sleeps with their mouth open, snores, wakes up with a dry mouth, or struggles to breathe comfortably through their nose, it may be worth investigating.
Your dentist can evaluate their teeth, bite, and jaw development, and recommend treatment if necessary. Early intervention can make a significant difference, not only in helping protect your child’s smile but also in supporting healthy development and quality of life.
