Observing a newborn breathing through their mouth can be a source of concern for parents. While occasional mouth breathing is benign, consistent mouth breathing often indicates an underlying issue. Newborns are naturally predisposed to breathe through their noses, which facilitates simultaneous feeding and breathing.
Why Newborns Breathe Through Their Mouths
Newborns are obligate nasal breathers, naturally prioritizing nose breathing in their first months. Consistent mouth breathing typically signals nasal obstruction.
Common, often temporary, causes include nasal congestion from mucus due to colds, viral infections like RSV, or dry air. Environmental irritants such as dust, smoke, or strong fragrances can also inflame nasal passages, leading to congestion.
More significant issues can also contribute. Enlarged adenoids or tonsils, though more common in older infants, can block nasal airflow. Anatomical variations, such as a deviated septum or narrow nasal passages, may physically impede nasal breathing. Sometimes, mouth breathing persists as a learned habit even after the initial obstruction resolves.
Signs to Watch For
Several signs indicate persistent mouth breathing in newborns. A clear sign is a baby consistently keeping their mouth open, even when calm. Noisy breathing, snoring, snorting, or gasping sounds during sleep are also indicators, suggesting restricted nasal airflow.
Difficulty with feeding can signal a problem, as babies might frequently stop and start while nursing or bottle-feeding, or appear fussy due to the challenge of breathing and eating simultaneously. Other signs include restless sleep, frequent waking, or appearing unusually tired and irritable during the day. Physically, dry lips, a dry mouth, excessive drooling, chronic bad breath, or dark circles under the eyes may be present.
How Mouth Breathing Can Affect Health
Prolonged mouth breathing in newborns can have various health implications, both immediate and long-term. An immediate consequence is dry mouth, which reduces saliva’s protective effects and increases the risk of dental issues like cavities and gingivitis. Without nasal filtration, babies become more susceptible to respiratory infections, as the nose warms, humidifies, and filters inhaled air. Disrupted sleep, characterized by poor quality rest and daytime sleepiness, is also common, potentially affecting a baby’s growth and overall development.
If mouth breathing continues unchecked, it can influence facial and dental development, leading to narrow jaws, high palates, or a receding chin, and misaligned teeth. Speech problems, such as articulation errors or a lisp, may also arise due to improper tongue posture. Inefficient oxygen intake can impact circulation and brain development, and prolonged sleep deprivation might manifest as behavioral issues or ADHD-like symptoms in older children.
Encouraging Nasal Breathing
Several practical steps can help encourage nasal breathing in newborns. Using a humidifier in the baby’s room can moisten the air, which helps loosen mucus and ease congestion. Saline nasal drops or spray can thin mucus, making it easier to clear passages. A nasal aspirator, like a bulb syringe or NoseFrida, can then gently remove loosened mucus.
Proper feeding positioning, such as holding the baby upright, can also facilitate easier breathing during feeds. Gently massaging the bridge of the nose may help with congestion. Parents can also gently close their baby’s mouth when they notice it open during sleep, provided there is no congestion, to encourage a lip seal.
If mouth breathing persists without obvious congestion, or with fever, persistent coughing, or significant feeding and sleep disturbances, consult a pediatrician. Medical professionals, including ENTs or pediatric dentists, can identify and address underlying causes like allergies, structural issues, or enlarged tonsils or adenoids.