It’s no secret that the air we breathe has a significant impact on our health. The quality of the air you inhale can affect your respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and even your mental well-being. What you may not know is that there are many connections between the way your face develops and the quality of the air you breathe. This relationship is most powerful during childhood development.
Why Is the Airway’s Impact Most Important During Childhood Development?
Childhood development is a crucial growth period. Our environment shapes us more so during this time period than any other. Growth spurts, behavior patterns, and experiences create the cast that we eventually take the shape of. One of the most important pieces of this puzzle is the airway. The quality of the air we breathe and how we breathe it (especially as children) influences the trajectory of our facial growth for the rest of our lives.
Mouth Breathing
Mouth-breathing can result in facial structures that are long, narrow, and with less prominent jaws and a retracted chin.
When people take on the habit of mouth breathing as children:
- The habit is harder to break
- Their features are the most susceptible to change
- It has a lot of time to commandeer influence and shape their face
Other Airway Related Problems
Developing the features that are associated with mouth breathing can often lead to children developing low self-esteem. Low self-esteem then leads to children who grow up feeling self-conscious about the way they look, which can lead to unforeseen consequences such as mental health issues or trouble with their future social life.
When children experience trouble breathing through their nose, they can often develop:
- Facial deformities
- Dental problems
- Mental disorders
- Sleep apnea
What Can I Do To Improve My Child’s Airway Quality?
Fortunately, if you notice that your child is having trouble breathing through their nose, it’s easy to make an appointment with Dr. Marzban. In milder cases, your child’s facial structures could grow more symmetrically just by making simple changes. However, more severe cases may require more intensive treatment plans.
Airway Issues and The Childhood Development Period
Dr. Marzban can help you determine whether your child’s face is growing symmetrically, which could indicate an airway obstruction. If you would like to learn more about the effects of the airway on facial development or have a child that struggles with sleep apnea, contact Dr. Marzban’s office at 703-323-8200.
