Mouth Breathing in Kids: What’s Causing It and Why It Matters

Mouth Breathing in Kids: What’s Causing It and Why It Matters

As parents, we often focus on our child’s nutrition, sleep, and development, but one crucial factor that frequently goes unnoticed is how they breathe. While occasional mouth breathing is normal, chronic mouth breathing can be a sign of an underlying issue that may impact a child’s health, development, and well-being. Understanding the causes of mouth breathing can help parents take proactive steps to support their child’s optimal breathing and overall growth.

Why Is Nasal Breathing So Important?

Breathing through the nose is the body’s natural and preferred way to intake air. Nasal breathing:

• Filters, warms, and humidifies the air before it reaches the lungs.
• Supports proper tongue posture and facial development.
• Enhances oxygenation and brain function.
• Encourages the development of a strong, well-formed airway.

When a child breathes primarily through their mouth instead of their nose, it can affect their facial structure, dental health, sleep, and overall wellness.

Common Causes of Mouth Breathing

Mouth breathing is often a symptom of an underlying condition rather than a standalone issue. Here are some of the most common reasons why children develop chronic mouth breathing:

1. Nasal Obstructions

If a child’s nasal passages are blocked or restricted, they may resort to breathing through their mouth to compensate. Some common causes of nasal obstructions include:

• Enlarged Adenoids and Tonsils: Swollen or enlarged adenoids and tonsils can partially or fully block the airway, making nasal breathing difficult.
• Chronic Allergies: Seasonal or environmental allergies can lead to persistent nasal congestion, forcing children to breathe through their mouths.
• Deviated Septum: A structural issue where the nasal septum is misaligned, causing one or both nasal passages to be restricted.
• Nasal Polyps or Chronic Sinusitis: Inflammation or growths in the nasal cavity can obstruct airflow and lead to habitual mouth breathing.

2. Low Tongue Posture, Low Tongue Muscle Tone,

and Tongue-Tie

The tongue plays a crucial role in airway development and nasal breathing. If the tongue rests too low in the mouth, it fails to support proper nasal breathing and can encourage mouth breathing.

• Low Tongue Muscle Tone: Weak tongue muscles can prevent the tongue from maintaining its natural resting position against the roof of the mouth, contributing to mouth breathing and improper jaw development.
• Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia): A restricted tongue due to a tight lingual frenulum can limit proper tongue posture, making it difficult for the tongue to rest on the palate and support nasal breathing.
• Oral Habits (Thumb Sucking, Pacifier Use): Extended use of pacifiers or thumb sucking can alter tongue posture and contribute to open-mouth posture.

3. Structural and Developmental Issues

• Narrow Palate and High-Vaulted Arch: A child with a narrow upper jaw or a high palate may experience difficulty breathing through their nose due to a smaller nasal airway.
• Recessed Chin or Jaw Misalignment: Improper jaw development can contribute to airway restriction, making nasal breathing less efficient.
• Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Sleep Apnea: Children with undiagnosed sleep apnea may struggle with airway collapse during sleep, leading to persistent mouth breathing.

4. Chronic Respiratory Infections and Illness

Frequent colds, sinus infections, and respiratory illnesses can lead to nasal congestion and inflammation, prompting children to breathe through their mouths out of necessity.

Signs Your Child May Be a Mouth Breather

If you suspect your child is mouth breathing, watch for these common signs:

• Open mouth posture during the day or while sleeping
• Snoring, noisy breathing, or frequent waking at night
• Dry lips, bad breath, or excessive thirst in the morning
• Chronic nasal congestion or stuffiness
• Dark circles under the eyes (allergic shiners)
• Crowded teeth or misaligned jaw development

What Can Parents Do?

Early intervention is key to preventing long-term complications associated with mouth breathing. Here’s how you can help:

• Address Nasal Obstructions: Work with an ENT specialist to evaluate and manage allergies, sinus issues, or enlarged adenoids and tonsils.
• Encourage Proper Tongue Posture: Myofunctional therapy and tongue-tie evaluations can help improve tongue posture and promote nasal breathing.
• Strengthen Tongue Muscles: Exercises that target tongue strength can help ensure it maintains proper positioning and function.
• Airway and Orthodontic Evaluations: A comprehensive airway and facial development assessment can help determine if interventions are needed.
• Improve Sleep Hygiene: Ensure your child’s sleep environment promotes proper breathing and is free from allergens.

Final Thoughts

Mouth breathing isn’t just a habit—it’s a sign that something may be interfering with your child’s ability to breathe properly. Identifying and addressing the root cause early can make a significant difference in their long-term health, sleep quality, and facial development.

At Flourish Airway Collective, we specialize in identifying and treating airway-related concerns in children. If you’re concerned about your child’s breathing patterns, schedule an evaluation with our team to help them breathe, sleep, and thrive.