Mouth Breathing vs. Nose Breathing in Kids: Why It Matters More Than You Think
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of good oral health in children. But did you know that how your child breathes can impact their dental health, facial development, and overall well-being?
If your child habitually breathes through their mouth instead of their nose, it could lead to serious long-term health and orthodontic problems, including crooked teeth, poor jaw development, sleep issues, and even changes in facial structure.
As an orthodontist and dentofacial orthopedist specializing in airway health, I see this issue all the time. The good news? Early intervention can make a huge difference! In honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month, let’s talk about why mouth breathing matters, how it affects your child’s health, and what you can do about it.
What Is Mouth Breathing and Why Is It a Problem?
Mouth breathing happens when a child habitually breathes through their mouth instead of their nose, especially during sleep. While occasional mouth breathing (like during a cold) isn’t a problem, chronic mouth breathing can lead to serious developmental issues.
👃 Nose breathing is how we’re meant to breathe! The nose filters the air, adds moisture, and regulates oxygen intake. When a child breathes through their mouth, they bypass this natural filtration system, leading to problems such as:
✅ Narrow palates & crowded teeth – Mouth breathers often develop smaller upper jaws, leading to misalignment and orthodontic issues.
✅ Increased risk of cavities & gum disease – Mouth breathing dries out the mouth, reducing saliva production, which is essential for neutralizing bacteria.
✅ Poor sleep & concentration issues – Mouth breathing is linked to sleep-disordered breathing, which can lead to fatigue, hyperactivity, and difficulty focusing (often mistaken for ADHD).
✅ Facial changes & weak jawline – Long-term mouth breathing can cause underdeveloped facial features, recessed chins, and elongated faces.
Signs Your Child Might Be a Mouth Breather
🚨 Not sure if your child is a mouth breather? Look for these signs:
🔹 Sleeping with their mouth open
🔹 Snoring or noisy breathing at night
🔹 Restless sleep or frequent waking
🔹 Crowded baby teeth or early tooth loss
🔹 Dark circles under the eyes (due to poor oxygen intake)
🔹 Frequent allergies, nasal congestion, or dry mouth
If you recognize two or more of these signs, it may be time to get an airway-focused orthodontic evaluation.
How Mouth Breathing Affects Dental & Facial Development
Mouth breathing doesn’t just affect sleep—it can permanently impact how your child’s face develops.
📌 Narrow Jaw & Crooked Teeth – Mouth breathers often develop high, narrow palates, which don’t allow enough room for adult teeth to grow in straight. This leads to crowding, overbites, and the need for braces later on.
📌 Poor Facial Development – When a child breathes through their mouth, their tongue doesn’t rest on the roof of the mouth as it should. Over time, this can lead to longer faces, weak jawlines, and receding chins.
📌 Sleep Apnea & Behavioral Issues – Many kids with sleep-disordered breathing caused by mouth breathing experience fatigue, irritability, and attention problems during the day. Studies even show that children with untreated sleep apnea often get misdiagnosed with ADHD!
What Can Parents Do? Treatment & Prevention
The good news is that early intervention can prevent long-term problems.
💡 Here’s what parents can do:
✔️ Encourage nasal breathing – If your child can breathe through their nose but chooses to mouth breathe, remind them to keep their lips closed.
✔️ Address nasal congestion & allergies – Chronic congestion forces kids to breathe through their mouths. Visit an ENT (ear, nose, and throat specialist) to treat allergies or swollen adenoids.
✔️ Consult an airway-focused orthodontist – If your child’s jaw is too narrow, palate expansion may be needed to create more space for breathing and proper dental alignment.
✔️ Consider Myofunctional Therapy – This involves exercises that strengthen the tongue and teach proper swallowing and breathing techniques.
Orthodontic Solutions for Mouth Breathers
In some cases, orthodontic intervention is needed to fix structural issues.
🦷 Palate Expanders (MARPE/MSE) – If your child has a narrow palate, a palate expander can widen their upper jaw to improve airflow and create space for proper tooth alignment.
🦷 Braces & Clear Aligners – If their teeth have already shifted due to mouth breathing, orthodontic treatment can realign their bite.
🦷 Airway-Focused Orthodontic Evaluation – If your child struggles with snoring, mouth breathing, or sleep issues, a consultation can determine if they need early intervention.
The Bottom Line: Why This Matters for Your Child’s Future
As National Children’s Dental Health Month reminds us, oral health is about more than just cavities! It’s about breathing, sleeping, and developing properly.
🚨 Mouth breathing isn’t just a habit—it’s a warning sign that your child’s airway, sleep, and facial growth could be at risk. The earlier it’s addressed, the easier it is to correct with simple treatments like palate expansion and myofunctional therapy.
📩 Is your child showing signs of mouth breathing?
📅 Book a consultation today to explore treatment options!
