When spring comes pollen and other materials in the air can wreak harm on those who have seasonal allergies which causes a habit called “mouth breathing.” Unfortunately for those who suffer, the physical, medical and social problems associated with mouth breathing are not recognized by most health care professionals,. This observation was recently reported in the Jan./Feb. 2010 General Dentistry issue.
Children whose mouth breathing goes untreated over time may suffer from abnormal facial and dental development, such as long, narrow faces and mouths, gingivitis, gummy smiles, and even crooked teeth. Mouth breathing also leads to poor sleeping habits which can stunt growth and cause children to perform less in school. Mouth breathing can also cause poor oxygen concentration in the bloodstream, leading to high blood pressure, sleep apnea, heart problems, and even other medical problems.
It is possible for a dentist to check for mouth breathing symptoms and swollen tonsils in children which can help the condition be caught early. If tonsils and/or adenoids are swollen, an ear nose and throat doctor (ENT) can perform surgery. If the face and mouth are narrow, dentists can use expansion appliances to help widen the sinuses and open nasal airway passages.
Mouth breathing treatment can help lead to improvements in patients from what they may have been suffering from. It is important that children are diagnosed properly if they have mouth breathing. As such discussing the possibility with a health care professional is recommended.
Adapted from materials provided by Academy of General Dentistry.
Thanks for the post, it really helped a lot, I’ll check my son later when he sleeps whether he is mouth breathing or not.