Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing (MB), previously referred to as oral breathing, is now recognized as a sign of an orofacial myofunctional disorder and is increasingly seen as a significant health concern, especially due to its associated conditions. It's particularly important to monitor in children because it can lead to a cycle of causes and effects that impact their development. Research indicates that children who habitually breathe through their mouths are at higher risk for a range of issues.
These issues include difficulties with swallowing and chewing, which can disrupt normal eating habits. There's also an increased likelihood of developing dental malocclusions—misalignments of the teeth—as well as impaired craniofacial growth, which can affect the overall structure of the face and jaw. Additionally, mouth breathing can contribute to the onset of obstructive sleep-disordered breathing, a condition that disrupts normal sleep patterns.
Beyond physical health, mouth breathing can impact cognitive and academic abilities. Children who breathe through their mouths are more prone to having attention deficits, working memory challenges, and difficulties with reading comprehension and arithmetic. Speech sound disorders, such as an interdental lisp, where the tongue protrudes between the front teeth during speech, are also commonly observed in these children.
Most critically, persistent mouth breathing can negatively affect a child's overall quality of life. The preschool years are a crucial time for identifying and addressing this issue to prevent the development of these associated conditions and improve outcomes for affected children.
Orofacial myofunctional therapy aims to foster a healthy oral environment that supports proper facial and dental growth. This kind of therapy is particularly important for ensuring that all the natural processes of dental and facial development proceed smoothly.
A key goal of this therapy is to establish a clear nasal airway, allowing for proper nasal breathing. This can only be achieved once any physical or physiological blockages, like allergies, have been addressed. These issues are typically assessed and treated by specialists such as allergists or ear, nose, and throat doctors (ENTs). Once any impediments are cleared, the individual can then maintain a closed mouth posture, which is crucial for stable nasal breathing.
In cases where structural interventions are needed, treatments such as adenotonsillectomy (removal of adenoids and tonsils) by an ENT or rapid maxillary expansion by an orthodontist might be necessary. Orofacial myofunctional therapy complements these treatments by promoting and enhancing nasal breathing, helping to ensure that everything in the mouth and face functions as it should.
Warnier, M., Piron, L., Morsomme, D., & Maillart, C. (2023). Assessment of mouth breathing by Speech-Language Pathologists: an international Delphi consensus. CoDAS, 35(3), e20220065. https://doi.org/10.1590/2317-1782/20232022065