Chronic mouth breathing can influence facial development over time, leading to noticeable changes in appearance. This phenomenon, often referred to as “mouth breather face,” is a common concern for many individuals and parents. Addressing these changes involves understanding their origins and exploring potential corrective measures.
What is “Mouth Breather Face”?
“Mouth breather face” describes facial characteristics that develop from consistent mouth breathing. These features include a longer, narrower facial structure, a flatter nose, a recessed or underdeveloped chin, and a less defined jawline. The upper jaw can become narrow and highly arched, often contributing to crowded or misaligned teeth. A short upper lip, prominent upper teeth, and a “gummy smile” are also common. These changes result from the altered resting position of the tongue, jaw, and facial muscles over extended periods.
Why Does It Develop?
Chronic mouth breathing develops when nasal breathing is ineffective, often due to obstructions like enlarged adenoids or tonsils, chronic allergies, or a deviated septum. When the nasal airway is blocked, the body resorts to mouth breathing. This consistent open-mouth posture alters the tongue’s natural resting position, which ideally should be against the roof of the mouth. When the tongue rests low, it fails to exert the necessary upward and outward pressure that guides proper growth of the upper jaw and facial bones. Altered muscle forces and gravitational pull then influence bone growth, leading to characteristic facial changes.
Is Reversal Possible?
The possibility of reversing “mouth breather face” depends on age, habit severity and duration, and intervention consistency. Significant changes are more achievable in children and adolescents because their facial bones are still developing and are more pliable. Early intervention during these formative years can guide proper craniofacial growth and normalize facial development. While adults may see some improvements, full reversal of established facial changes is less likely, as their facial bones are fully formed. However, even in adults, interventions can mitigate further changes and improve overall facial balance and respiratory function.
Strategies for Correction
Correcting mouth breathing and its associated facial effects often requires a multi-faceted approach. Addressing underlying medical causes is a primary step, involving managing allergies or surgical procedures like adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy to clear nasal obstructions. Myofunctional therapy is a non-invasive treatment that retrains oral and facial muscles through targeted exercises. These exercises aim to establish proper tongue posture, promote lip seal, and encourage nasal breathing.
Orthodontic interventions also play a role in correcting dental and jaw alignment issues exacerbated by mouth breathing. Treatments like palate expanders can widen a narrow upper jaw, creating more space for nasal passages and proper tongue positioning, especially in children. Braces or aligners can address misaligned teeth and improve bite, which further supports proper oral function and nasal breathing. Alongside professional treatments, conscious behavioral changes, like consistently practicing nasal breathing during waking hours and ensuring proper oral rest posture, are important for long-term success.
Importance of Early Action
Recognizing and addressing chronic mouth breathing early, particularly in children, leads to more favorable outcomes. Children’s facial bones are still growing and are more responsive to corrective interventions, increasing the likelihood of successful reversal of adverse facial changes. Acting promptly can prevent more severe, entrenched habits and extensive developmental issues from forming. Delayed intervention often leads to more complex, expensive, and less effective treatments later in life, and may result in permanent structural changes that are difficult to fully reverse. Consulting with healthcare professionals like ENT specialists, orthodontists, and myofunctional therapists offers a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue and guiding proper facial development.