Breathing primarily through the mouth, rather than the nose, can influence facial development and structure, especially in growing individuals. While temporary mouth breathing due to a cold is common, chronic reliance on oral respiration can lead to noticeable changes in the face. Understanding how mouth breathing impacts facial growth provides insight into its broader implications for health and appearance.
Mechanisms of Facial Alteration
Chronic mouth breathing alters the forces guiding facial bone and soft tissue growth. The tongue’s resting posture changes, dropping to the mouth floor instead of resting against the palate. The tongue normally pressures the upper jaw outward, promoting its proper width. Without this pressure, the upper jaw can narrow, constricting the nasal airway.
Jaw and facial muscle activity also contributes. When the mouth stays open, cheek muscles can become taut, applying external force that narrows dental arches. This downward pull can prevent the lower jaw from developing forward, leading to a less defined jawline. Additionally, air bypasses the nose’s natural filtering, warming, and humidifying functions, which can lead to inflammation and perpetuate obstructed nasal breathing.
Recognizable Facial and Oral Changes
Chronic mouth breathing often leads to distinct physical characteristics, sometimes called “adenoid facies” or “long face syndrome.” Individuals may develop an elongated, narrow facial appearance, with a less prominent jawline and a receding chin. Cheekbones can appear underdeveloped, and nostrils might seem pinched or elevated.
Inside the mouth, changes are also common. The upper jaw (maxilla) may become narrow and high-arched due to improper tongue posture. This narrowing often results in crowded or misaligned teeth, including a “gummy” smile where gums are visible when smiling. These changes are more pronounced when mouth breathing begins in childhood, as facial bones are still developing.
Underlying Reasons for Mouth Breathing
Many factors can lead to mouth breathing. The most common reason is chronic nasal obstruction, which forces the body to seek an alternative airway. Chronic allergies can cause persistent swelling in nasal passages, making nasal breathing difficult.
Enlarged adenoids or tonsils are common contributors, especially in children, as these tissues can block the airway. Structural issues like a deviated septum or nasal polyps can also impede airflow. Chronic sinusitis can lead to inflammation and congestion that necessitate mouth breathing. Sometimes, mouth breathing persists as a habit even after the initial obstruction resolves.
Approaches to Addressing Mouth Breathing
Addressing chronic mouth breathing begins with identifying and treating its cause. For allergies, medical management with antihistamines or nasal steroid sprays can reduce inflammation and improve nasal airflow. If enlarged adenoids or tonsils are the primary obstruction, surgical removal may be recommended, especially in children, to clear the airway.
Beyond medical or surgical interventions, therapies can help retrain breathing patterns and address structural changes. Myofunctional therapy involves exercises to strengthen oral and facial muscles, promoting proper tongue posture and nasal breathing. This therapy aims to establish an oral rest posture where the tongue rests at the roof of the mouth and the lips remain gently closed. Orthodontic treatment can also help, using palatal expanders to widen a narrow upper jaw or braces and aligners to correct misaligned teeth and jaw positioning from prolonged mouth breathing.