Breathing seems to be a topic unrelated to tooth alignment. Yet there is a close relationship between the airway, jaw development and tooth positions. Mouth breathing is a factor that can affect upper jaw development, especially in children, and is frequently overlooked. As DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, in Türkiye we consider asking about this finding a standard step in the orthodontic evaluation.
Why Does It Have an Effect?
When breathing through the nose, the lips are closed and the tongue touches the upper palate. This position of the tongue provides natural support from the inside during the development of the upper jaw. When breathing through the mouth, the lips remain open and the tongue is positioned down and forward. When this support disappears, the upper jaw may tend to narrow.
This relationship should not be presented as a one-way, definite cause-and-effect link; many factors play a role together. However, it is known that in children with long-term mouth breathing, the tendency for a narrow upper jaw and a related crossbite to be seen increases.
Signs
- The mouth remaining open during sleep
- Snoring or noisy breathing
- Waking up with a dry mouth in the morning
- The lips often being open during the day as well
- Chronic swelling and bleeding of the front gums
- Fatigue and distractibility during the day
- Frequent upper respiratory tract infections
Its Relationship with Gum Swelling
In people who breathe through the mouth, the front gums are constantly exposed to airflow and dry out. Dried tissue is more easily irritated and takes on an inflamed appearance. In these patients, persistent redness and swelling may be observed on the front gums even if oral care is good. This possibility should be considered in gum complaints that do not respond to care.
The Causes Should Be Investigated
Mouth breathing is not a habit but, in most cases, a consequence. The main underlying causes are: enlarged adenoids, large tonsils, allergic rhinitis, enlarged nasal turbinates and a deviated septum. For this reason, when mouth breathing is detected in an orthodontic evaluation, a referral to an ear, nose and throat specialist may be made.
This collaboration is important: carrying out only orthodontic intervention without opening the airway can put the permanence of the result at risk. Likewise, when only the nasal problem is treated, the jaw narrowness that has formed does not correct itself. The two areas need to be addressed together.
Sleep Quality
Although this topic goes beyond the limits of dentistry, it needs to be highlighted. In children, noisy breathing, snoring and pauses in breathing during sleep can affect sleep quality. Disrupted sleep may be associated with daytime fatigue, attention problems and behavioral changes. If you notice these signs, it is recommended that you consult your pediatrician and an ear, nose and throat specialist.
The Orthodontic Approach
In growing children with a narrow upper jaw, expansion applications are evaluated. While affecting the jaw structure, these applications may also contribute to the volume of the nasal cavity. However, it is necessary to be realistic here: expansion is not a breathing treatment, and it cannot be promised that it will eliminate mouth breathing on its own. If the real cause is in the airway, that area must also be evaluated.
The Value of Noticing Early
Since jaw development is limited to the growth period, detecting these findings early broadens the treatment options. If you notice your child sleeping with their mouth open, snoring or having constant nasal congestion, we recommend that you also share this at the dental check-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
An evaluation is recommended as soon as you notice the signs; the options are broader while jaw development continues.
It may provide temporary relief; however, the cause needs to be identified. Long-term use should be on a physician’s recommendation.
In most cases there is an underlying cause; it should not be evaluated only as a habit.
Even if breathing improves, the jaw narrowness that has formed does not correct itself; an orthodontic evaluation is needed.
Since jaw development is complete, its structural effect is limited; however, it may contribute to gum and dry mouth problems.
First, a pediatrician and an ear, nose and throat evaluation are recommended; orthodontic follow-up can accompany this.
Methods applied without investigating the cause are not recommended; the airway should be evaluated first.
The way you breathe can affect dental development.
If you have noticed your child sleeping with their mouth open or snoring, have an evaluation. Contact us to book an appointment; let us plan developmental follow-up together at DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic.
This content is for general information purposes. An ear, nose and throat and pediatrician evaluation is necessary for airway complaints.
