Mouth breathing in children is more than just a habit — it can be a sign of an underlying issue and may lead to long-term dental and facial development concerns. As a parent, understanding how mouth breathing affects your child’s health is the first step toward early intervention and prevention.
What Is Mouth Breathing?
Mouth breathing occurs when a child primarily breathes through the mouth instead of the nose. While it's normal for children to occasionally breathe through their mouth (especially when they have a cold), chronic mouth breathing can indicate a structural or functional issue that needs to be addressed.
Causes of Mouth Breathing in Children
Common causes include:
Allergies or nasal congestion
Enlarged adenoids or tonsils
Deviated nasal septum
Habitual open-mouth posture
Tongue tie or low tongue posture
Asthma or chronic respiratory issues
These conditions can obstruct normal nasal airflow, causing the child to rely on mouth breathing for oxygen.
Dental and Facial Implications of Mouth Breathing
When mouth breathing becomes the norm, it can interfere with proper growth of the jaws and face. This is because nasal breathing helps maintain a balanced pressure that supports healthy oral and facial development.
Key dental concerns include:
Narrowed dental arches
Crowded or crooked teeth
Open bite or long face syndrome
Underdeveloped upper jaw (maxilla)
High-arched palate
Poor tongue posture and function
In some children, these changes can begin as early as toddlerhood if mouth breathing is left untreated.
Signs Your Child Might Be a Mouth Breather
You may notice:
Snoring or noisy breathing at night
Dry lips or dry mouth upon waking
Chronic bad breath
Forward head posture
Daytime fatigue or poor sleep
Long, narrow face shape
Difficulty keeping lips closed
Frequent runny nose or allergies
These symptoms often go hand-in-hand with poor sleep quality and may impact focus, behavior, and learning.
Why Early Detection Matters
Early detection of mouth breathing is essential because the younger the child, the more adaptable their bone growth is. Intervening during growth can guide the jaws and airway structures toward a healthier development path.
In many cases, mouth breathing is part of a bigger picture — such as tongue tie, improper swallowing, or skeletal underdevelopment — and may require a team approach involving:
Dentists
ENT specialists
Myofunctional therapists
Orthodontists
How Is Mouth Breathing Treated?
Treatment depends on the cause but may include:
1. Addressing Airway Obstructions
ENT evaluation for tonsils/adenoids
Allergy management
Breathing exercises
2. Myofunctional Therapy
Exercises to retrain nasal breathing
Strengthening lip seal and tongue posture
3. Early Orthodontics or Expanders
Jaw expansion to create space for proper tongue posture and nasal airflow
Guidance of jaw and facial growth
4. Tongue Tie Release (if needed)
Releasing restrictions that prevent proper tongue placement
Long-Term Benefits of Nasal Breathing
When nasal breathing is restored and maintained, children benefit from:
Improved sleep and energy
Better focus and mood
Correct jaw and facial development
Lower risk of orthodontic issues later
Reduced risk of sleep apnea in adulthood
Final Thoughts
Mouth breathing in kids is not just a phase — it’s a red flag that could impact their dental health and overall development. The earlier the issue is identified and addressed, the better the outcomes. If you suspect your child is a mouth breather, book a consultation with a dental professional experienced in airway-focused care.
Is your child showing signs of mouth breathing?
Our practice provides holistic, growth-focused care for children to help them breathe better, sleep better, and smile brighter.