Humans have two avenues through which they can take in oxygen: the nose and the mouth. At first, it might not seem to matter which method is more frequently used. However, research has repeatedly established that nose breathing is superior! In fact, mouth breathing can come with some significant risks, especially for children whose facial structures are still developing. How might chronic mouth breathing affect your child’s facial development, and how can you protect them? This blog post provides vital information.
The Dangers of Mouth Breathing
Chronic, long-term mouth breathing can affect facial development in a few ways:
- Loss of tongue support: When the mouth is closed, the tongue should rest against the palate (the roof of the mouth). Its presence acts as a gentle expander that promotes good development of the upper jaw. When the mouth is open, that tongue support is missing.
- Altered muscle forces: When the mouth is open for long periods, it changes muscular balance in the face. This imbalance can put pressure on the developing dental arches.
As a result of these factors, chronic mouth breathing may lead to “long face syndrome.” This means that the jaws may be narrower than usual, and the jaw may rotate downward and backward. As a result, the face appears longer and narrower overall than it should.
Of course, facial development problems are just one issue caused by chronic mouth breathing. Dental cavities, bad breath, and a dry throat are just some of the other complications that might arise.
What Can You Do?
There is no need to be alarmed if your child occasionally breathes through their mouth. It is normal for them to do so if they have a cold or allergies. However, if they often breathe through their mouth, bring them to a qualified medical professional.
A trained dentist can identify issues that affect the airway, including problems like lip and tongue tie, dental misalignment, and more. Then, they can suggest a treatment plan. This might involve minor surgery for a lip or tongue tie, orthodontic care, or a custom oral appliance to promote healthy breathing during sleep. If problems are caught early on, treatment can prevent long face syndrome and other problems caused by mouth breathing.
If your child already has problems with their facial structure related to mouth breathing, their dentist may suggest orthodontia and/or surgical intervention by a qualified specialist.
Mouth breathing might not seem like a big deal, but it can become one! Keep an eye on your child’s breathing so you can help them receive timely care.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Mahmoud Homsi is a highly qualified dentist who completed sleep and airway training at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute. He provides care for both children and adults who struggle with issues like snoring, mouth breathing, and poor sleep due to airway issues. To learn more about our practice and how we may be able to serve your family, contact Charm Smile Dental in Concord, NH, at 603-228-0123.