By Dr. Ben Miraglia

An alarming health issue affecting children today is the growing epidemic of mouth breathing, often caused by underdeveloped jaws. This seemingly small habit can have long-term consequences for children’s overall health and development. In fact, a recent study revealed that up to 93 percent of children experience malocclusion (crooked teeth) — a visible indicator of shrinking jaws. Training children to shift to nasal breathing is vital to their well-being.

Many people mistakenly believe mouth breathing is harmless, but the reality is far more troubling. Mouth breathing isn’t just unhealthy — it’s a sign of deeper issues that could lead to a range of symptoms affecting a child’s health. From disrupted sleep to developmental concerns, mouth breathing demands immediate attention.

As an airway-focused dentist, I work to understand how the structure of a child’s mouth impacts their breathing. Mouth breathing can lead to issues such as bad breath, dry mouth, teeth grinding, cavities, and even sleep apnea. It can also hinder the natural development of the face and jaw, impacting a child’s appearance, teeth alignment, and airway volume. Addressing these issues early can significantly improve a child’s health, sleep, and quality of life.

Identifying Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders Dentists are uniquely positioned to detect sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) in children. We often serve as the first line of defense in identifying these conditions, which can arise from a variety of causes, including jaw underdevelopment. When diagnosed early, SRBD can be treated effectively, especially when dentists and medical professionals collaborate to create a comprehensive care plan.

Routine dental check-ups play a vital role in identifying warning signs like mouth breathing and misaligned jaws. Early detection can lead to timely interventions that prevent more severe issues later in life.

The Impact of Mouth Breathing Mouth breathing is the body’s way of compensating for not being able to breathe well through the nose. While it may seem like a simple adjustment, it can cause a range of health problems. Children who habitually breathe through their mouths are at risk for poor oral health, such as dry mouth and bad breath, teeth grinding, cavities, along with sleep disorders, speech problems, and even behavioral issues like hyperactivity and inattentiveness. 

A major contributing factor to mouth breathing is poor tongue posture. When the tongue doesn’t rest properly against the roof of the mouth, it can lead to swallowing air, which causes digestive issues such as reflux, stomach aches, and gas. Addressing mouth breathing early is crucial to prevent these complications.

Treating the Root Cause: Jaw Development The most effective way to stop mouth breathing is to address its underlying cause. In many cases, mouth breathing results from small, underdeveloped jaws and weak jaw muscles. Encouraging proper jaw growth and muscle function can help children shift from mouth breathing to nasal breathing.

Redirecting the jaw muscles to their correct resting position restores proper jaw development and supports healthy nasal breathing. The best time to intervene is during childhood, between the ages of 3 and 12 when the jaw bones are still developing.

By establishing nasal breathing and proper tongue rest posture and function early, dentists can guide the development of the jaw and airway, ensuring a child’s growth is on track. This early intervention creates not only a healthier child, but also sets the foundation for a healthier adult.

Why Braces Aren’t the Complete Solution Traditional orthodontic treatments like braces focus on straightening teeth but fail to address the root causes of jaw misalignment or breathing issues. Braces are a tooth-centered approach, but they don’t address the underlying problem: development of the jaw. Braces treat the symptom of crowded teeth. Correcting jaw growth early on is far more effective than treating symptoms later.

Targeting the cause of misaligned jaws helps ensure the jaw and airway develop correctly to support proper breathing and overall health. Early intervention is key to avoiding a lifetime of health challenges caused by mouth breathing.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Seeking advice from an airway dentist is the right step and will guide you in addressing these concerns, significantly improving a child’s overall health and quality of life.

Dr. Ben Miraglia has more than 30 years of general practice experience in Mt. Kisco, NY, including over 20 years orthopedic/orthodontic experience where his focus has been on early childhood jaw growth and development. He is a founding member and Chief Clinical Officer at Toothpillow.