Mouth breathing in children is more than just a harmless habit. It can signal underlying health issues and lead to problems with sleep, facial development, and dental health. When kids breathe through their mouths instead of their noses, especially during sleep, they may experience snoring, restless nights, and even behavioral challenges that stem from poor-quality rest.
At Kool Koala Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry, Dr. Ballard, Dr. Wils, Dr. Thompson, Dr. Movaghar, Dr. Abdelrahim, and Dr. Martinelli understand how pediatric dentistry extends beyond cavity prevention. Our team sees patients across Collingswood, Deptford, Bear, Vineland, Pennsville, and Willingboro, where we help parents identify and address mouth breathing early. We focus on preventive care that protects not just teeth, but overall childhood development.
Why Does Mouth Breathing Happen?
Several factors can cause children to breathe through their mouths instead of their noses. Understanding these causes helps parents and dentists create effective treatment plans.
Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids
When tonsils or adenoids grow too large, they can partially block the airway. This obstruction makes nasal breathing difficult, forcing children to keep their mouths open to get enough air. Many parents first notice this during sleep when their child snores loudly or seems to struggle for breath.
Chronic Nasal Congestion
Allergies, sinus infections, and frequent colds can all create nasal blockages. When the nose stays stuffed up for long periods, mouth breathing becomes the default pattern. Some children develop this habit even after the congestion clears because their bodies have adapted to breathing through the mouth.
Structural Issues
A deviated septum, narrow nasal passages, or other anatomical differences can make nasal breathing challenging. These structural concerns may be present from birth or develop as children grow. Orthodontics can sometimes help address issues related to jaw development and airway space.
Health Consequences of Persistent Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing affects more than just how air enters the body. It creates a cascade of health and developmental concerns that can impact multiple areas of a child’s life.
Children who breathe through their mouths often experience disrupted sleep patterns. When kids don’t breathe properly at night, their sleep quality suffers, leading to daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating at school, and mood changes. Poor sleep affects learning, memory, and behavior in ways that many parents don’t immediately connect to breathing patterns.
Facial development can also change over time. Mouth breathing alters the position of the tongue and jaw during crucial growth periods. This can lead to a longer, narrower face structure, changes in tooth alignment, and an increased risk of common procedures becoming necessary later. The tongue’s position against the roof of the mouth helps shape the upper jaw, and mouth breathing disrupts this natural process.
Dental health takes a hit, too. Saliva protects teeth from decay, but mouth breathing dries out the mouth. Without adequate saliva flow, kids face higher risks of cavities, gum inflammation, and bad breath. According to the American Dental Association, dry mouth increases vulnerability to tooth decay because saliva helps neutralize acids and wash away food particles.
Solutions and Treatment Options
Addressing mouth breathing requires identifying the underlying cause. Once parents and dental professionals understand what’s creating the problem, they can pursue targeted solutions.
Medical intervention may be necessary for some children. When enlarged tonsils or adenoids block the airway, an ear, nose, and throat specialist might recommend removal. For chronic allergies or sinus issues, medication or allergy treatment can open nasal passages and restore normal breathing patterns.
Myofunctional therapy teaches children exercises that strengthen the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat. These exercises help kids relearn proper tongue posture and breathing patterns. A trained therapist guides children through specific activities that gradually retrain the muscles to support nasal breathing.
Some children benefit from orthodontic intervention to expand the palate and create more room in the airway. This treatment works best during periods of active growth when the jaw bones are still developing. Devices like palatal expanders can widen the upper jaw, making more space for proper nasal breathing.
Creating awareness is crucial. Many children simply don’t realize they’re breathing through their mouths. Parents can gently remind kids to close their lips and breathe through their noses during the day. At night, mouth tape designed specifically for children can sometimes help break the habit, though this should only be used under professional guidance.
Partner with Kool Koala Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry
Early intervention makes a significant difference in outcomes for mouth-breathing children. The sooner we identify and address the issue, the better the chances of preventing long-term developmental and health consequences. Our team at Kool Koala Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry specializes in recognizing signs of mouth breathing during routine dental visits.
We offer comprehensive evaluations that look beyond teeth to assess airway health and breathing patterns. Our doctors work closely with other healthcare providers, including ENT specialists and allergists, to ensure your child receives coordinated care. Schedule an appointment at one of our convenient New Jersey locations to discuss your concerns about your child’s breathing habits and explore solutions that support their healthy development.
