Mouth breathing, how it affects your smile and health

Many parents observe their child sleeping with an open mouth or breathing through the mouth during the day. Although it may sound innocuous, chronic mouth breathing can impact a child’s smile and well-being.

Why Do Kids Mouth Breathe?

• Allergies or nasal congestion.

• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids.

• Habitual breathing patterns.

How Mouth Breathing Affects Kids

• Dental Issues: Small jaws, misaligned teeth and open bites.

• Dry Mouth: This elevates the danger of cavities and gum diseases.

• Sleeping Problems: Tossing and turning, snoring, even sleep apnea.

• Facial Growth: May cause long faces and jaw growth alterations.

How to Tell If Your Child Is a Mouth Breather

• Snoring at night.

• Dry lips in the morning.

• Crowded or crooked teeth.

• Daytime sleepiness despite having “slept all night.”

What Parents Can Do

• Visit the dentist to get teeth alignment.

• Consult with an ENT specialist if you suspect that nasal problems are in play.

• Early orthodontic treatment can help guide the growth of the jaw correctly.

The Takeaway

Mouth breathing isn’t just a habit — it can influence your child’s smile and health for the worse in the long term.

👉 Visit a paediatric dentist today to help give your child a healthier smile and better sleep.