Breathing is such an automatic gesture that we rarely think about it. However, the way a child breathes can have a significant impact on the development of their jaws, teeth and even the appearance of their face.
When breathing is primarily done through the nose, facial growth tends to occur in a balanced way. However, mouth breathing, when it becomes a habit, can alter the development of facial structures and promote orthodontic and functional problems.
At SUN Lisboa, breathing assessment is part of the Children’s Orthodontics consultation, because a healthy smile depends on much more than just the alignment of the teeth.
Why is it so important to breathe through your nose?
Nasal breathing allows the entire facial muscles to work in a balanced way.
When a child breathes through their nose:
- The tongue naturally rests on the roof of the mouth;
- The lips remain closed at rest;
- The upper jaw develops more extensively;
- The jaw grows forward in a harmonious way;
- The airways remain more unobstructed.
This balance is essential so that there is enough space for permanent teeth to erupt and healthy facial growth.
What happens when a child breathes through their mouth?
When the mouth remains open for a large part of the day or night, the tongue stops supporting the roof of the mouth and starts to rest at the bottom of the oral cavity.
Over the years, this apparently simple change can cause several changes in the development of the face.
It is frequently observed:
- narrower upper jaw;
- Jaw further back;
- crowded teeth;
- longer and narrower face;
- lips constantly parted.
These changes arise because the jaws no longer receive the muscular stimuli necessary to grow correctly.
Breathing has a much greater influence than smiling.
Mouth breathing affects more than just the position of the teeth.
You can also contribute to:
- difficulties with chewing and swallowing;
- speech changes;
- A greater tendency to breathe through the mouth, even during sleep;
- poorer quality of rest.
Many children who predominantly breathe through their mouths still have dark circles under their eyes, a tired expression, and difficulty maintaining a correct lip and tongue position.
What are the warning signs?
It is not always easy to realize that a child breathes predominantly through the mouth.
Some signs that deserve attention include:
- sleeping with your mouth open;
- I snore regularly;
- Keep your lips slightly parted while at rest;
- difficulty breathing through the nose;
- frequent respiratory infections;
- Very crowded teeth or a narrow palate.
The earlier these signs are identified, the greater the possibility of guiding growth while the jaws are still developing.
How can pediatric orthodontics help?
At SUN Lisboa, the Children’s Orthodontics consultation is not limited to evaluating the alignment of the teeth.
We also observed:
- the way the child breathes;
- the position of the tongue;
- the function of the facial muscles;
- The development of the jaws.
When indicated, Functional Jaw Orthopedics (OFM) makes it possible to take advantage of the child’s natural growth to promote healthier breathing and more balanced facial development.
In some cases, a multidisciplinary approach, involving other specialties, may also be necessary to identify and treat the cause of mouth breathing.
Facial growth begins with small habits.
The way a child breathes every day influences the development of their face over the years.
Therefore, breathing through your mouth should never be seen as an unimportant habit. An early assessment can identify changes at a stage where growth can still be guided in a simpler and more predictable way.
At SUN Lisboa, we believe that prevention is always better than correction. Through a thorough assessment of growth, breathing and jaw function, we help each child develop a healthy smile and balanced face for the future.
