Have you noticed your child breathing through their mouth instead of their nose? If so, we’re here to answer your questions about facial development and how mouth breathing can affect your child in the future at All Smiles in Corona, CA.
Changes in your child's mouth are most pronounced between ages 3 and 12. Addressing the root causes of mouth breathing will only benefit your child in the long run.
Structural Affects On Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing during childhood can affect your child's muscle balance over time. Because the tongue rests low in the mouth, it can lead to facial changes like a longer or narrower face. This happens as the upper jaw narrows, the palate becomes deeper, and the chin rotates downward and backward.
There can be lasting effects on your child, so we want to correct their mouth breathing as soon as possible because it can lead to problems such as:
Jaw Underdevelopment—Without the upward and outward pressure of the tongue resting on the roof of the mouth, the lower jaw may not develop to its fullest potential. This can result in a recessed chin without proper jaw development.
Dental Crowding—When your child mouth-breathes, it can lead to a narrower jaw, leaving less room for adult teeth to grow in. With less room, it can create overcrowding, crooked teeth, and even an open bite.
Reduced Airway—With less development of the jaw, it can create a high-arched palate that may further narrow the upper airway. This can keep your child in a cycle of mouth breathing and increase the risk of sleep-disordered breathing in the future.
When You Should See Us
We highly suggest that when you first start to notice your child is mouth breathing, you come to us as soon as possible, as this can have long-lasting effects on your child, including how their adult teeth come in, whether they develop sleep disorders, and whether their face shape can change.
As this isn't a dental emergency, we do want it to be known that this is an urgent matter to look into, because your child's face and jaw develop faster at younger ages, and you should get it fixed before more problems develop.
Contact us or come into our office so we can consult your child and start a treatment plan for their mouth breathing. We are here to help and answer any questions at All Smiles in Corona, CA.