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Mouth Breathing in Children: Causes, Effects, and Treatments

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What Is an Open Bite and How Does It Affect Your Child?

Defining Open Bites

An open bite is a type of malocclusion where the upper and lower teeth do not touch or overlap when the mouth is closed, leaving a visible gap. This can occur in the front of the mouth, known as an anterior open bite, or in the back, referred to as a posterior open bite. Anterior open bites are more common and are often characterised by a vertical gap between the upper and lower front teeth. This condition can arise due to several factors, including prolonged thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, or skeletal growth patterns. In more severe cases, an open bite can extend to the molars or other teeth, leading to broader dental and facial complications.
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Why Does Mouth Breathing Happen?

Common Causes of Mouth Breathing

Mouth breathing in children can result from a variety of factors that disrupt normal nasal breathing. Some of the most common causes include:
  • Nasal Obstructions: Conditions such as a deviated septum, nasal polyps, or enlarged adenoids and tonsils can block the nasal passages, forcing a child to breathe through their mouth. Allergies or chronic sinus infections that cause inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages are also frequent contributors.
  • Anatomical Issues: Certain anatomical traits, like a narrow nasal cavity or a small jaw, can limit nasal airflow, prompting mouth breathing. Children with facial structural abnormalities, such as a high, narrow palate or a recessed jaw, are more prone to breathing through their mouth.
  • Habitual Behaviours: In some cases, mouth breathing becomes a learned habit due to conditions such as frequent colds or allergies. Even after the underlying issue has been resolved, the child might continue to breathe through the mouth out of habit.
  • Tongue Position and Function: A low tongue posture, where the tongue rests at the bottom of the mouth instead of against the palate, can also contribute to mouth breathing. This posture can be influenced by issues like tongue-tie (ankyloglossia), where a restrictive band of tissue under the tongue limits its movement, leading to poor oral habits and improper breathing patterns.
  • Sleep Disorders: Sleep-disordered breathing conditions, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), can also cause mouth breathing. During sleep, the child’s airway may become partially or completely blocked, leading them to open their mouth to breathe and disrupting their normal breathing patterns.

How to Spot Mouth Breathing in Your Child

Identifying mouth breathing early on can help prevent more serious health issues down the line. Here are some signs and symptoms parents should watch for:
  • Open Mouth Posture: If your child frequently keeps their mouth open, especially during rest or sleep, this could indicate mouth breathing. Observe your child’s posture while they are watching TV, reading, or relaxing; a mouth-open posture may become a habit.
  • Snoring or Noisy Breathing: Snoring, gasping, or noisy breathing during sleep is a common indicator of mouth breathing. Pay attention to whether your child breathes heavily, snores, or has trouble sleeping peacefully through the night.
  • Dry Mouth and Bad Breath: Mouth breathing can cause a dry mouth, which may lead to bad breath (halitosis) due to reduced saliva flow. If your child often complains of a dry mouth or you notice persistent bad breath, it may be worth investigating further.
  • Frequent Thirst or Need for Water at Night: Children who mouth breathe may wake up frequently during the night feeling thirsty or needing water. This is because mouth breathing dries out the oral tissues, causing discomfort and increased thirst.
  • Dental Issues: Observe any dental problems, such as crooked teeth, receding gums, or excessive tooth decay. Mouth breathing can cause a shift in oral bacteria balance and lead to increased plaque build-up, which may contribute to these issues.
  • Behavioural and Cognitive Symptoms: Children who mouth breathe may show signs of irritability, difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, or sleepiness during the day. These symptoms can mimic ADHD and are often related to poor sleep quality due to disrupted breathing patterns.
  • Altered Facial Development: Over time, chronic mouth breathing can lead to noticeable changes in facial structure, such as a longer face, narrow upper jaw, or a receding chin. If you notice these changes in your child’s appearance, consult with a healthcare professional.

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Health Risks Associated with Mouth Breathing

Impact on Dental and Oral Health

Mouth breathing can significantly affect dental and oral health. It can lead to a condition known as “dry mouth,” where the reduced saliva flow fails to neutralize acids produced by bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, mouth breathing affects the position of the tongue, which in turn affects the growth and alignment of the teeth. Children who mouth breathe are more likely to develop malocclusions, such as open bites or crossbites, due to abnormal muscle function and jaw development. Over time, these dental issues can necessitate extensive orthodontic treatment, such as braces or surgery, to correct alignment problems.

Effects on Overall Growth and Development

The effects of mouth breathing extend beyond oral health, influencing a child’s overall growth and development. Mouth breathing can alter facial growth, leading to an elongated face, recessed chin, or a narrow upper jaw. This can impact not only a child’s appearance but also their ability to chew, swallow, and speak properly. Chronic mouth breathing can also contribute to poor sleep quality, which affects a child’s cognitive function, emotional regulation, and behavioural development. Poor sleep quality can manifest as difficulty focusing, hyperactivity, mood swings, and other behavioural problems that may be mistaken for ADHD. In more severe cases, untreated mouth breathing can lead to sleep-disordered breathing conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, which have further health implications, including cardiovascular and metabolic concerns.

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Anna takes a holistic and long term approach with my treatment. She often adapts treatment and exercises and is reassuringly confident yet gentle! I have had lots of practitioners over… read more

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Mouth Breathing vs. Nasal Breathing: Key Differences

Benefits of Nasal Breathing

Nasal breathing is the body’s natural and preferred method of respiration. Breathing through the nose helps filter, warm, and humidify the air before it reaches the lungs, ensuring that the body receives optimal oxygenation. Nasal breathing also promotes the release of nitric oxide, a gas that helps improve oxygen absorption, reduce blood pressure, and enhance immune function. Furthermore, the tongue’s proper position against the roof of the mouth during nasal breathing supports the natural development of the jaw and dental arches, reducing the risk of malocclusions and other dental problems. Nasal breathing helps maintain proper posture, alignment, and function of the facial muscles, leading to healthier overall growth and development.

Challenges of Mouth Breathing

Mouth breathing, on the other hand, bypasses the natural filtration and humidification process of the nasal passages, allowing unfiltered air to enter the lungs. This can lead to increased exposure to allergens, irritants, and pathogens, which may contribute to respiratory problems, allergies, and frequent infections. Additionally, mouth breathing reduces the body’s oxygen intake, leading to inefficient breathing patterns, fatigue, and impaired cognitive function. Over time, mouth breathing can cause structural changes in the face and jaw, affecting a child’s appearance, speech, and overall health. It can also contribute to a vicious cycle where poor sleep quality leads to increased fatigue and irritability, further perpetuating mouth breathing habits.

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How We Can Help: Assessments and Treatments for Mouth Breathing

Our Approach at Key Osteopaths

At Key Osteopaths, we take a comprehensive approach to assess and treat mouth breathing in children. Our evaluations include a thorough assessment of your child’s breathing patterns, dental alignment, and facial structure. We work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as paediatric dentists and ENT specialists to address the underlying causes of mouth breathing and develop a tailored treatment plan that may include myofunctional therapy, breathing exercises, and lifestyle modifications.

Customised Treatment Plans

Our customised treatment plans are designed to address the root causes of mouth breathing and promote healthy nasal breathing habits. These plans may include specific exercises to strengthen the muscles of the face, tongue, and jaw, improve nasal airflow, and encourage proper tongue posture. In cases where anatomical issues, such as enlarged tonsils or nasal obstructions, are contributing factors, we work with ENT specialists to provide the appropriate surgical or medical interventions. Our goal is to ensure that your child breathes properly, sleeps well, and grows up with a healthy, balanced facial structure.
Anna van Piggelen Osteopath Myofunctional Therapist in Surrey v2

Anna van Piggelen

Osteopath & Myofunctional Therapist in Surrey
With a deep commitment to patient care, Anna van Piggelen brings expertise in both osteopathy and myofunctional therapy, helping individuals improve their health and well-being.
Graduating in Osteopathy from the University College of Osteopathy in 2010, Anna later pursued specialised training in myofunctional therapy with the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy and advanced studies with the Airway Circle.
Anna’s approach is deeply personal—having undergone palate expansion and myofunctional therapy herself to address childhood thumb-sucking-related jaw and ENT issues, she understands the challenges firsthand. This fuels her dedication to supporting both children and adults facing airway concerns.
She collaborates closely with ENT consultants, dentists, and orthodontists, ensuring each patient receives the right care at the right time. Myofunctional therapy may not always be the immediate solution, but it can play a crucial role later in treatment.
Beyond myofunctional therapy, Anna integrates osteopathy to provide structural, hands-on support, assisting with posture correction and tightness. She uses cranial osteopath in coordination with other specialists to aid orthodontic care and frenulum releases, ensuring comprehensive and collaborative treatment tailored to individual needs.
“Think your child might be a mouth breather? Book an assessment with our team at Key Osteopaths to find out more and start their journey to better health today.”
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