Doctor Explains Child Mouth Breathing

Source- kaylamccarrell on TT PMID 36159237 Mouth breathing in infants might seem harmless, but if it becomes a persistent habit, it can influence how a child’s face and jaws develop as they grow. Babies are naturally designed to breathe through their noses — nasal breathing helps filter, warm, and humidify air, while also supporting proper tongue posture and jaw alignment. When an infant regularly breathes through their mouth instead, it can indicate an underlying problem, such as nasal congestion, enlarged adenoids or tonsils, allergies, or structural issues in the nose. Over time, this can lead to compensatory habits — the mouth staying open, the tongue resting low in the mouth, and changes in the way the jaws and facial muscles work. These patterns can contribute to a narrow palate, dental crowding, or a longer facial shape as the child grows. Beyond facial development, long-term mouth breathing can also affect sleep quality, speech, and overall oral health. Because of this, it’s important for parents and healthcare providers to identify and address the root cause early — whether that means managing allergies, clearing nasal blockages, or encouraging better breathing habits. #babies #breathing #parenting