Why Mouth Breathing in Children Matters More Than You Think
Does your child breathe through their mouth, especially when sleeping or relaxing? While it may seem harmless, chronic mouth breathing in children can affect their health, sleep, and even how their face and jaws grow.
What Is Mouth Breathing?
Mouth breathing is when a child primarily breathes through the mouth instead of the nose. While this can happen occasionally with a cold or allergies, persistent mouth breathing is often a sign of an underlying issue.
Why Do Kids Mouth Breathe?
Some common causes include:
👃 Blocked nasal passages – due to allergies, enlarged adenoids/tonsils, or chronic congestion
👄 Habitual mouth breathing – the child may have started during an illness and never returned to nose breathing
🦷 Narrow upper jaws or poor tongue posture due to tongue tie or genetic disorder– this limits nasal space and forces mouth breathing
😴 Sleep-disordered breathing – including snoring or paediatric sleep apnoea
What Are the Medical and Developmental Risks?
Mouth breathing can affect a child’s development in multiple ways:
🧠 Health & Behaviour
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Poor sleep quality
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Daytime tiredness and difficulty concentrating
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Hyperactivity or symptoms mistaken for ADHD
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Lowered oxygen intake during sleep
😷 ENT and Respiratory Issues
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Recurring colds, sore throats, and ear infections
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Enlarged tonsils/adenoids
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Worsened allergies or asthma
😬 Dental & Facial Changes
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Narrow upper jaw (high-arched palate)
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Long, narrow face
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Open bite or crowded teeth
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Gummy smile or recessed chin
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Dry mouth and increased risk of tooth decay
The Sooner We Act, the Better
Because the bones of a child’s face and jaws are still growing, early intervention can help guide normal development and reduce the need for complex treatments later. By identifying the underlying cause of mouth breathing and addressing it early, we can help:
✅ Promote healthy jaw and facial growth
✅ Improve sleep and concentration
✅ Support long-term dental health
✅ Reduce risk of orthodontic issues
What Can Parents Do?
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Watch for Signs
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Lips always open, especially during sleep
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Snoring or restless sleep
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Frequent dry mouth or bad breath
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Teeth crowding or narrow palate
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Get a Professional Assessment
At Kingsford Dental, we screen for signs of mouth breathing and dental/facial changes during our children’s check-ups. -
Team-Based Care
We may work with ENT specialists, myofunctional therapists, and orthodontists to address the cause and help your child return to nasal breathing.
Let’s Help Your Child Breathe Better and Grow Better
If you’re concerned about your child’s breathing, we’re here to help.
🦷 Kingsford Dental
📍 Shop 3, 255–271 Anzac Parade, Kingsford NSW 2032
📞 Call us on 02 9662 0321 to book a check-up
🌐 Covered under Medicare’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) and private health fund for eligible families