Human beings can breathe through both their mouths and their nose. But science has shown us that one is preferable to the other. In fact, there are researchers that now believe that “mouth breathing” (those that breathe primarily or exclusively through their mouths) may be problematic at best, actively harmful at worst.
What is Mouth Breathing?
We all breathe through our mouths time and time again. When we run upstairs or when we have bad allergies, we may find ourselves breathing in and out through our mouths rather than our noses.
But there are others, especially children, that breathe almost entirely through their mouths. The cause of this can vary. Some children just never develop the habit of breathing through their noses. Some children have problems with their nasal passages or tonsils, leading to mouth breathing. Sleep apnea may lead to mouth breathing, as can frequent allergies. The cause of mouth breathing may not always be known.
But children that find themselves breathing frequently through their mouths, day or night, develop challenges that can affect them both at the time and much later in life.
Why is Mouth Breathing a Problem?
Long term mouth breathing, especially during childhood, can lead to issues that can affect the entire body. These include, but are not limited to:
- Changes in Face Shape - During development, their facial structure depends on the way they breathe. Children that mouth breathe may develop longer, more narrow faces that do not develop properly. Poor posture, starting at the head, is also a possibility.
- Dental Problems – Your teeth and gums are not made for mouth breathing. They are more likely to develop infections, dry mouth, cavities, bad breath, and other challenges. During development, mouth breathers are more likely to develop gummy smiles, overbites, and teeth crowding.
- Sleep Problems – Children that mouth breathe tend to have a worse quality of sleep than children that breathe through their noses. Poor sleep quality can lead to behavioral issues, high blood pressure, learning challenges, and many other issues that can even affect the child in the long term.
These are only a few of the issues that can be caused by those that breathe primarily through their mouths.
What is the Treatment for Mouth Breathing – and How a Dentist Can Help
Your child may not know that they’re mouth breathing, which means that it is important for you to be the one to pay attention. If you notice the signs of mouth breathing, or you suspect your child may be struggling with it, it is a good idea to see both a primary care physician and your dentist.
Your physician can figure out if there is a medical cause for the mouth breathing that can be addressed, like a treatment for asthma and allergies.
Your dentist can go a step further. Dentists can provide tools, like dental appliances and surgical corrections, that can support the nasal passages and mouth so that the child can learn to breathe through their noses more.Here at Live Oak Dental Group, we provide support for children – and adults – that have dental issues related to mouth breathing. We can also help determine what treatments may be beneficial for avoiding some of the long term effects. If you suspect that your child is breathing through their mouth, or you want treatment that can help address the issue, contact us today to get started. 559-784-6523
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