When it comes to the health and development of a child’s facial structure, proper breathing is often overlooked. Mouth breathing, a habit that may seem harmless, can lead to significant issues such as poor jaw development, narrow dental arches, and enlarged tonsils. At The Pines Dental Office, we want to shed light on how mouth breathing impacts oral health and development and what can be done to address it.
What Causes Mouth Breathing?
Mouth breathing can stem from several factors, including:
- Chronic nasal congestion due to allergies or sinus issues
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids that block the airway
- Structural nasal issues such as a deviated septum
- Habitual behaviour formed during childhood
When children consistently breathe through their mouth instead of their nose, it can disrupt the natural growth patterns of their jaw and face.
How Mouth Breathing Affects Jaw Development
Mouth breathing alters the position of the tongue, which plays a critical role in shaping the jaw and dental arches. Here’s how it contributes to poor jaw development:
- Narrow Jaw and Crowded Teeth: When the tongue is not resting against the roof of the mouth due to mouth breathing, the upper jaw does not expand properly. This often results in a narrow dental arch and crowded teeth, requiring orthodontic intervention later in life.
- Long Face Syndrome: Chronic mouth breathing can lead to a condition known as long face syndrome, where the lower jaw grows downward instead of forward. This can result in an elongated facial appearance and misalignment of the teeth and jaw.
- Impaired Bite Alignment: Mouth breathing may contribute to improper bite development, including open bite or overbite, which can affect chewing and speaking functions.
The Role of Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids
Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are both a cause and a consequence of mouth breathing. When these tissues become swollen, they can obstruct the nasal airway, forcing a child to breathe through their mouth. In turn, mouth breathing exacerbates inflammation of the tonsils and adenoids, creating a vicious cycle.
If left untreated, enlarged tonsils and adenoids can contribute to:
- Sleep-disordered breathing or obstructive sleep apnea
- Fatigue and difficulty concentrating during the day
- Behavioural issues and poor academic performance
How Can This Be Addressed?
The good news is that interventions are available to address mouth breathing and its effects. At The Pines Dental Office, we take a comprehensive approach to help children and adults achieve better oral and overall health.
- Evaluation and Diagnosis: We start with a thorough evaluation to determine the root cause of mouth breathing. This may include assessing airway health, tonsil size, and jaw development.
- Functional Appliances: For children with narrow jaws or crowded teeth, functional appliances can help guide proper jaw development and improve airway function.
- Collaboration with Specialists: In cases involving enlarged tonsils or adenoids, we may refer patients to an ENT specialist for further evaluation. Removal of these tissues may be necessary in some instances to restore nasal breathing.
- Myofunctional Therapy: Myofunctional therapy focuses on retraining the tongue and facial muscles to promote nasal breathing and proper tongue posture.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Addressing underlying allergies or nasal congestion can also play a crucial role in resolving mouth breathing. This may involve using saline sprays, allergy medications, or humidifiers.
The Importance of Early Intervention
Identifying and addressing mouth breathing early can prevent many of the long-term consequences associated with poor jaw development. At The Pines Dental Office, we emphasize the importance of early evaluation for children, particularly if you notice persistent mouth breathing, snoring, or signs of dental crowding.
If you or your child are experiencing issues related to mouth breathing, narrow jaws, or enlarged tonsils, we’re here to help. Contact The Pines Dental Office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward better breathing and healthier development.
Learn more about early orthodontics.
