Mouth breathing is a habit where individuals primarily take air in through their mouth instead of their nose. This pattern, while sometimes a temporary response to nasal congestion, can become chronic and affect dental and facial development.
The Connection to Crooked Teeth
Chronic mouth breathing influences jaw development and tooth alignment. When the mouth remains open for breathing, the tongue often rests in a low position, rather than pressing against the roof of the mouth. This pressure from the tongue guides the outward growth of the upper jaw during childhood. Without this consistent pressure, the upper jaw may develop narrowly.
A narrow upper jaw can lead to insufficient space for permanent teeth to erupt correctly, resulting in crowded or misaligned teeth. This can cause malocclusions like crossbites (upper teeth inside lower teeth) or open bites (front teeth not meeting). Mouth breathing can also affect lower jaw growth, potentially leading to a recessed chin or an overbite (upper front teeth significantly overlap lower front teeth).
Altered facial muscle activity also contributes to these changes. When the mouth is open, lip and cheek muscles may become taut, applying external forces that further narrow the dental arches. This imbalance between internal tongue pressure and external cheek/lip pressure contributes to incorrect tooth positioning and underdeveloped jaw structure.
Impacts Beyond Dental Health
Beyond tooth alignment, chronic mouth breathing has other consequences for facial development and health. It is associated with a characteristic facial appearance, including a longer, narrower face, flattened cheekbones, and dark circles under the eyes. These changes occur because continuous open-mouth posture alters the growth trajectory of facial bones.
Mouth breathing also impacts oral health by causing dry mouth. Saliva, which helps clean the mouth and protect against bacteria, is diminished when air constantly passes through. This dryness increases the risk of tooth decay and gum inflammation. Bad breath can also result from bacterial accumulation.
Chronic mouth breathing can disrupt sleep quality, leading to snoring and sleep-disordered breathing conditions like sleep apnea. Poor sleep affects concentration, behavior, and academic performance. It can also contribute to frequent respiratory infections, as the nose’s filtering functions are bypassed.
Identifying and Addressing Mouth Breathing
Recognizing chronic mouth breathing involves observing several common signs:
- Habitually resting with an open mouth
- Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
- Frequently dry or chapped lips
- Bad breath
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Restless sleep
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Dark circles under a child’s eyes or difficulty concentrating
Addressing mouth breathing often requires a multidisciplinary approach. A dentist or orthodontist assesses dental and facial development, while an ENT specialist identifies and treats underlying nasal obstructions. Common causes of nasal blockage include:
- Allergies
- Chronic sinus infections
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- A deviated septum
Myofunctional therapy, which involves exercises to retrain oral and facial muscles and promote proper tongue posture, can also encourage nasal breathing.
Interventions may include:
- Medical treatments for allergies or infections
- Surgical removal of enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Orthodontic interventions to expand the palate and create more space for the tongue and teeth
Early identification and intervention are beneficial, especially during a child’s developmental years, as they can guide proper facial growth and prevent more complex issues.