When individuals shift to mouth breathing, it alters how the oral and facial muscles interact, potentially affecting the natural growth of the face.
Mouth breathing, a common phenomenon among individuals of all ages, can severely impact the development of your child’s facial structures and overall face shape. When kids shift to mouth breathing, it alters how the oral and facial muscles interact, potentially affecting the natural growth of their face.
As per a study by the International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry, all the subjects with a mouth-breathing habit exhibited lower incisors jutting outward, an inability to hold the lips together while at rest, and a convex facial structure.
In a conversation with the team of OnlyMyHealth, Dr Shantanu Tandon, Senior ENT Surgeon, Airway and Sleep Apnea Specialist, Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru, informed that the shape of the upper jaw forms around the shape of the tongue during a child’s formative years.
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“When the mouth is open, the tongue cannot rest in the roof of the mouth, resulting in a poorly developed, narrow, V-shaped top jaw. A smaller top jaw leads to a narrow facial structure and overcrowding of the teeth,” he added.
Relaying the physical changes that mouth breathing can have on your child’s face, Dr Tandon listed:
Various factors can lead to mouth breathing, such as allergies, chronic nasal congestion, or habits developed during childhood. “60% of the growth of the face takes place during the first four years of life, and 90% takes place by the age of 12. Development of the lower jaw continues until around age 18. Therefore, for correct facial growth, early intervention with nasal breathing and tongue posture is essential,” advised Dr Tandon.
He listed out methods to help you correct your child’s mouth breathing:
Dr Tandon suggested that learning correct breathing and swallowing before the age of eight often corrects facial development without needing any medical treatment. Parents need to understand the potential consequences of mouth breathing to seek early intervention for their children and help them adopt healthy breathing habits. Addressing mouth breathing concerns contributes to not only improving facial development but also enhancing overall health and well-being.
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