Helping Your Little One Breathe Easy (Without Relying on Mouth Breathing)
Hi mums and dads,
As a mum and a dentist, I know how heartbreaking it is to see your little one struggling with a stuffy nose, especially when it affects their sleep, mood, and even how their face and teeth grow over time.
Mouth breathing might seem like just a “cold season” thing, but when it becomes the norm, it can actually change the way your child’s jaws and face develop. So today, I wanted to share a few gentle, down-to-earth ways I’ve used with my own kids—and recommend in the clinic—to help them keep those tiny noses clear and working the way they should.
🛁 1. Start with a Warm Bath to Clear Out the Snort
A nice steamy bath before bed works wonders. The steam helps loosen up all that stubborn snort and makes it easier for your child to blow their nose—or for you to help them gently clear it with a nasal aspirator if they’re still little. You’ll often find they settle into sleep more easily afterward.
🌬️ 2. Use a Vaporiser with Vicks or Eucalyptus Drops
Pop a cool mist vaporiser or humidifier in their room, especially during winter. Add a few drops of Vicks or a child-safe essential oil blend to help open up their airways. It keeps the air moist and helps prevent those dry, stuffy noses that make kids breathe through their mouths while sleeping.
💊 3. Try a Child-Friendly Antihistamine (Like Zyrtec)
If your child is sick or showing allergy-like symptoms—sneezing, itchy nose, watery eyes—a non-drowsy over-the-counter antihistamine like children’s Zyrtec can help settle things down. Even during colds or mild flu, using something to calm the inflammation can keep the nose open enough for proper nose breathing, so the habit of mouth breathing doesn’t stick.
Of course, always check with your GP or pharmacist to see what’s appropriate for your child’s age and symptoms.
🌼 4. Allergies? Let’s Not Wait It Out
If your child seems to always have a blocked nose, even when they’re not sick, it might be time to explore possible allergies—like dust mites, pollen, pet dander or even dairy. A referral to an allergy specialist can make a big difference. They can do simple testing and even guide you through desensitisation treatments to reduce your child’s reaction over time.
👃 The Goal: Get Back to Healthy Nose Breathing
When a child’s nose is constantly blocked, they naturally switch to mouth breathing—and this can quietly affect their sleep, their energy, their speech, and how their jaws grow. But when we catch it early and support proper breathing, their development can stay on track, and they’ll feel so much better overall.
So if you’ve noticed your child always breathing through their mouth, snoring at night, or having trouble sleeping, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Let’s figure it out together.
With love,
Dr. Sarah
Dentist and Mum
Kingsford Dental
📞 02 9662 0321
📍 Shop 3, 255–271 Anzac Parade, Kingsford NSW 2032