Mouth breathing, the act of breathing through the mouth instead of the nose, is a common occurrence in children, often observed during nighttime but also during daytime activities. While occasional mouth breathing may be linked to temporary issues like congestion or allergies, persistent instances may indicate underlying problems with potential serious medical implications.
In many cases, mouth breathing in children is transient and resolves on its own, often associated with congestion or allergies. However, persistent mouth breathing may be accompanied by symptoms such as:
- Irritability
- Cracked lips
- Excessive crying, especially in younger children
Frequent mouth breathing in children can lead to various dental health issues, including:
- Enlarged tonsils
- Enlarged adenoids
- Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) of the jaw
- Teeth grinding
- Myofascial pain
- Periodontal disease
- Impacted teeth
- Malocclusion
- Tooth decay
- Chronic bad breath
Beyond dental concerns, mouth breathing may contribute to broader health problems such as:
- Dry mouth
- Daytime drowsiness
- Headaches
- Sleep deprivation
- Restless sleep
- Poor focus
- Memory issues
- Snoring
Childhood mouth breathing typically occurs during sleep, indicating potential issues with nasal passages. If your child experiences persistent mouth breathing, particularly when not ill, consulting with their pediatric dentist is essential to identify and address underlying causes.
Persistent mouth breathing in children is often due to an obstruction in their nasal passage. Common underlying issues include:
- Deviated septum
- Enlarged nasal vessels, bones, or tissue
- Tongue tie
In cases where there’s no nasal blockage, mouth breathing may result from bite and mouth structure problems. In toddlers who predominantly breathe through the nose but sleep with an open mouth, upper airway blockages in the throat or nose could be the issue.
To tackle mouth breathing in children:
- Schedule an assessment with their pediatric dentist for potential orthodontic interventions.
- Consider an evaluation for adenoid and tonsil removal if orthodontic issues are ruled out.
- If problems persist, seek evaluations for throat or nasal obstructions, allergies, sinus issues, or tongue tie.
- Maintain a healthy weight for your child, as excess weight can exacerbate mouth breathing.
Yes, mouth breathing in children may result in behavioral issues, affecting concentration, causing irritability, and disrupting sleep. It can hinder oxygen intake, impacting mental development and cognitive functioning. Behavioral concerns associated with mouth breathing include slower cognitive development, difficulty concentrating, and social and emotional disturbances.
Infants may begin mouth breathing as early as three to four months, as they haven’t developed the reflex to breathe through their noses. Persistent mouth breathing in babies can persist into childhood if left untreated, potentially affecting brain development.
Upon noticing signs of mouth breathing, schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatric dentist. Treatment options may involve allergy management, breathing training, surgical procedures (e.g., tonsil or adenoid removal), strategies to stop thumb-sucking, or orthodontic interventions.
Yes, prolonged mouth breathing can impact speech development, potentially causing challenges with certain sounds or the development of a lisp. Mouth breathing may lead to a tongue thrust swallowing pattern, affecting speech articulation and posing risks like difficulty swallowing or increased choking hazards.
