It starts off innocent enough, it’s a child snoring. Their mouth open, sawing logs, catching some z’s. It’s cute and even a little funny. What many fail to realize is that this is potentially the beginning of a downward spiral. How can something we think of as being so cute go so wrong? Because mouth breathing is a sign of a breathing obstruction and there’s nothing cute about that.
What’s to Blame?
As we mentioned, chronic mouth breathing is usually a sign of a breathing obstruction. These breathing obstructions are most commonly caused by an environmental allergy or a food allergy. Other explanations might include:
- Structural deficiencies
- Poor posture
- Incorrect breathing habits
The Life Awaiting Mouth Breathers
How can something as seemingly inconsequential as breathing through the mouth change someone’s life? Not all mouth breathers are doomed just as not all nasal breathers are impervious to disease. However, chronic mouth breathing is associated with some troubling developments.
Physical Traits
Take for example the kinds of physical characteristics that come out of regular mouth breathing:
- Abnormal facial development
- Abnormal dental development
- Long faces
- Gummy smiles
- Gingivitis
- Crooked teeth
Behavioral Traits
As mouth breathers grow up, their nasomaxillary complex continues on the same dysfunctional developmental trajectory. Eventually, continuous mouth breathing can cause sleep issues such as:
- Bedwetting
- Snoring
- Sleep apnea
The consequences of mouth breathing don’t end with sleep. Poor sleep has a way of creeping into our waking lives and impairing our mental acuity, especially for mouth breathers:
- Increased irritability
- Easily frustrated
- Behavioral problems
- Poor school performance
- Attention deficit
- Hyperactive disorders
Mouth Breathing Into Adulthood
Children who don’t receive treatment for their mouth breathing/airway obstruction are more likely to experience teasing and bullying from their peers. This is only the beginning or the rough life ahead in many cases. The psychological effects can continue to damage their personal relationships and careers. The physical effects can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, heart problems, digestive disturbances, postural issues, slouching (forward head posture), temporomandibular joint disorder, among others.
Next Steps
Finally, some good news. Mouth breathing is easy to diagnose and simple to cure. While very few doctors take the time to look and address it, if you see the right one it can make all the difference in a child’s life and even your own.
Next time you take your kids to the dentist, ask if their tonsils are enlarged, if their palate and dental arches are developing normally, and to ask about their swallow pattern. For more information about mouth breathing or treatment options call our office at [link id=’50003′ text=’703-349-4277′ esc_html=’false’].
