Mouth Breathing and Facial Development

Why How You Breathe Matters

Breathing might seem simple, but how we breathe, especially during childhood, can have a dramatic impact on facial growth, jaw development, and overall health. While it’s often overlooked, mouth breathing is more than just a bad habit, it’s a red flag for underlying issues.

Why Do Some People Breathe Through Their Mouth?

Mouth breathing is often caused by:

• Chronic nasal congestion (allergies, enlarged adenoids/tonsils)

• Structural airway obstructions

• Oral habits like pacifier use or thumb sucking

• Tongue-ties or low tongue posture

When the nose isn’t doing its job, the body compensates by breathing through the mouth. But this adaptation comes at a cost, especially for growing kids.

How Mouth Breathing Affects Facial Development

When a child breathes through their mouth consistently, their tongue rests low instead of on the roof of the mouth. Without the tongue supporting the palate, the upper jaw can narrow, the palate may become high and vaulted, and the lower face can elongate.

This leads to:

• Long, narrow faces

• Underdeveloped jaws

• Crooked or crowded teeth

• Poor posture and open-mouth rest posture

• Smaller airway volume = higher risk of sleep-disordered breathing

Signs to Look For:

• Snoring or noisy breathing at night

• Dry lips or drooling

• Forward head posture

• Frequent congestion or allergies

• Dark circles under eyes (“allergic shiners”)

The Good News?

With early detection and a collaborative airway-focused approach, we can support proper facial growth, improve breathing, and optimize long-term health!