August 31, 2026
Breathing may be something we all do without thinking, but how your child breathes may matter more than you realize.
Mouth breathing is common when there is nasal congestion or allergies. However, regularly breathing through the mouth can actually affect oral habits, jaw development, and the way the teeth come together to form a smile.
Through early interceptive orthodontic treatment and airway orthodontics, concerns can be identified and treated while the jaws are still growing and developing. Let’s talk about it.
Nose Breathing vs. Mouth Breathing
Our bodies are naturally designed to breathe through the nose. So, when children consistently breathe through their mouths, it can become an oral habit that influences how the tongue rests and functions.
The result? Due to a lack of support, the upper jaw can become narrow, and the palate’s arch can collapse. This means the jaw can develop without enough room for the teeth, leading to crowding.
Persistent mouth breathing does not always mean anything serious, but it should never be dismissed or overlooked.
Mouth Breathing Affects Growing Smiles
As children grow and their jaws develop, mouth breathing can become a habit that leads to lasting effects. For instance, always breathing through the mouth may lead to crowded or crooked teeth, a narrow upper jaw, alignment problems, changes in tongue positioning, and altered facial growth patterns. What’s more, it can make maintaining proper oral habits difficult, which can lead to additional oral health concerns.
The Benefits of Airway Orthodontics for Mouth Breathers
Airway orthodontics is an area of early orthodontic care that addresses oral habits like persistently breathing through the mouth. With a thorough evaluation, we are able to identify any developmental concerns and take advantage of the natural growth process to guide the teeth and jaws.
Treatment is available to address these needs, such as palatal expanders that can gradually create additional space in the upper jaw for permanent teeth and reduce crowding, as well as habit-breaking appliances or limited braces.
Taking advantage of this available treatment, if needed, can have many positive outcomes: more space, healthier tongue positioning, improved bite alignment, reduced complexity of future orthodontic treatment, and so much more.
Don’t delay in taking action.
Note that mouth breathing isn’t the cause of every orthodontic issue, and not every child who breathes through their mouth is going to suffer from orthodontic concerns. Scheduling your child for an early orthodontic evaluation is always a great idea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mouth breathing normal for kids?
Occasional mouth breathing is fine, as it happens with colds and nasal congestion. However, routine mouth breathing can become an oral habit that affects their development.
Can mouth breathing cause crooked teeth?
Mouth breathing can be associated with improper tongue positioning and changes in upper-jaw development. These changes may result in crowding or other orthodontic concerns.
What is airway orthodontics?
Airway orthodontics addresses oral habits such as mouth breathing and incorrect swallowing that can affect the development of the teeth and jaws. It may be incorporated into early interceptive orthodontic treatment, if desired.
What are signs my child may need an early orthodontic evaluation?
Mouth breathing, crowded or crooked teeth, jaw misalignment, chewing difficulties, thumb sucking, and early loss of baby teeth. These are signs that an early evaluation may be beneficial.
When should my child see an orthodontist?
We recommend that every child receive an orthodontic evaluation by seven years of age. If you notice any mouth breathing or other concerns, you may schedule an evaluation sooner.
At Advanced Orthodontics, we work hard to ensure your child has a beautiful, healthy smile. That’s why we offer early orthodontic evaluations to address issues that may arise during growth and development. Does your child have persistent mouth breathing? Schedule an evaluation today.