It is not uncommon for children to breathe through their mouths even when they are not suffering from congestion. On the surface, this habit seems harmless enough; however, it could lead to developmental problems and can result in a variety of health issues. It’s important to review the possible causes and consequences of open mouth breathing in Aurora as well as the recommended forms of treatment.
What Can Cause Open Mouth Breathing?
Open mouth breathing is generally a side effect of the nasal airway becoming blocked in some way. Posable causes for the blockage include nasal congestion, enlarged adenoids, enlarged tonsils, a deviated septum, the shape and size of the jaw, and other anatomical issues. If you child has certain risk factors, you will want to be particularly aware of mouth breathing. Risk factors include allergies, chronic nasal congestion, and inflamed sinus tissue, all of which can make breathing through the nose more difficult. In some cases, children form a habit of breathing through their mouths even without need to do so.
What are the Consequences of Open Mouth Breathing?
Developing the habit of mouth breathing does come with adverse consequences for children over the long-term. Over time, serious health issues can arise. Primarily as the mouth does not filter air as well as the nose does, it increases the risk of breathing in harmful particles and substances, which can increase the risk of plaque buildup and gum disease. Furthermore, it can affect the development of the mouth by changing the position of the tongue. Normally a child’s tongue rests against the palate of the mouth, giving the upper jaw and teeth a “mold” to form around. But mouth breathing causes the tongue to rest against the lower teeth, depriving the upper jaw of the support it needs. Finally, mouth breathing has been linked to poor sleep, which in turn can affect the child’s mood and cause poor performance in school.
How Can Open Mouth Breathing Be Treated?
Treatment for open mouth breathing can vary depending on the cause. If the issue is linked to a narrow upper palate, a child may benefit from dental expanders or palate expanders in Aurora. These devices expand the upper jaw properly, which in turn widens the nasal cavity, making it easier for the child to breathe through their nose. A child’s primary care doctor may make other recommendations depending on the existing risk factors. In the meantime, regular cleanings and good oral hygiene can protect the teeth and gums from any plaque buildup that has occurred due to mouth breathing.
An orthodontist in Aurora can help with certain forms of mouth breathing, but the ideal form of treatment can only be decided upon after a proper diagnosis has been made. Early intervention is highly encouraged should a child start to develop problematic breathing habits.
About the Practice
At the Grand Dental Group – Aurora, we go out of our way to make sure all your child’s dental needs are met. Our in-house orthodontist offers palatal expanders and other orthodontic appliances that can be used to correct a variety of issues, such as malocclusion that is contributing to open mouth breathing. To schedule an orthodontic consultation, visit our website or call (630) 898-3610.