Mouth breathing involves breathing primarily through the mouth instead of the nose. While occasional mouth breathing due to temporary congestion is normal, chronic mouth breathing can have widespread implications for overall health and, notably, for facial development. This is particularly relevant during childhood, as facial structures are still forming.
How Mouth Breathing Shapes Facial Features
Chronic mouth breathing, particularly in growing children, can significantly influence facial development, leading to what is known as “mouth breathing face” or “adenoid facies.” When the mouth remains open for extended periods, the tongue often rests in a lower position within the oral cavity. This altered tongue posture can impede the natural outward and forward growth of the upper jaw (maxilla), which relies on the tongue’s pressure against the palate for proper expansion.
Lack of proper tongue support can result in a narrower upper dental arch and a high, V-shaped palate. This narrowing can lead to crowded or misaligned teeth, a common orthodontic concern. Chronic mouth breathing can also contribute to a longer, narrower facial appearance, often accompanied by a recessed chin or a less defined jawline. Facial muscles adapt to the open-mouth posture, which can affect the overall facial profile and symmetry.
Braces and Their Contribution to Facial Correction
Orthodontic treatments, including braces and other appliances, address the dental and skeletal consequences of mouth breathing. Braces effectively align teeth, correct crowded teeth, and improve overall jaw alignment. For a narrow upper jaw, orthodontists may use palatal expanders, particularly in younger patients, to widen the arch. This expansion can create more space for the tongue and potentially improve nasal airflow.
While braces and expanders correct structural changes that have occurred due to mouth breathing, such as misaligned teeth or a narrow palate, they do not directly address the underlying habit or cause of mouth breathing itself. Orthodontic intervention focuses on aligning teeth and jaws for improved dental function and facial aesthetics. While they can significantly improve the facial features affected by mouth breathing, they are typically one component of a broader treatment approach rather than a standalone solution for the breathing habit.
Beyond Braces: Addressing the Root Causes of Mouth Breathing
Addressing chronic mouth breathing requires identifying and treating its primary causes, which frequently involve nasal obstruction. Common reasons for blocked nasal passages include enlarged adenoids or tonsils, especially in children, which can physically block the airway. Allergies, chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, or a deviated septum (where the wall between the nostrils is crooked) can also lead to persistent nasal congestion, impeding nasal airflow.
Since the body automatically resorts to mouth breathing when the nasal airway is obstructed, resolution often necessitates a multidisciplinary approach. Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists diagnose and treat these underlying issues, which may involve medical management for allergies or infections. In some cases, surgical interventions like adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy, septoplasty, or turbinate reduction may be recommended to clear nasal passages.
Beyond physical obstructions, oral habits and muscle function also play a role. Myofunctional therapy retrains the muscles of the mouth and face to promote proper tongue posture and nasal breathing. This therapy involves specific exercises to strengthen the tongue, lips, and facial muscles, encouraging the tongue to rest on the roof of the mouth and the lips to remain closed. This comprehensive approach, involving various specialists, is important for long-term success and to prevent the recurrence of facial issues.
The Importance of Early Detection and Integrated Care
Early detection of mouth breathing is important, especially in children, because their facial bones are still developing. Approximately half of craniofacial development is completed by age two, and a significant portion by age twelve, making these years particularly impactful for intervention. Identifying the issue early allows for timely interventions that can guide proper facial growth and potentially mitigate the extent of changes.
A collaborative approach involving various healthcare professionals provides comprehensive care. Dentists and orthodontists address dental alignment and jaw development, while ENTs diagnose and treat nasal obstructions. Myofunctional therapists retrain oral and facial muscles to support nasal breathing. This integrated care model helps ensure that all contributing factors to mouth breathing and its facial impacts are addressed. If left unaddressed, chronic mouth breathing can lead to persistent dental problems, sleep disturbances, and other health concerns.