There are two main ways in which humans can take in oxygen: through our noses or through our mouths. Both are effective ways to get air into our lungs, but the reality is that nasal breathing is superior in many ways! If your child often breathes through their mouth, that could indicate an existing problem or lead to problems in the future. In this blog post, we’ll explore why nasal breathing is better and how you can help your child to breathe properly.
Nose vs. Mouth: The Advantages of Nasal Breathing
Breathing through the nose is better than breathing through the mouth in several ways:
- When your child breathes through their nose, the air is filtered, warmed, and humidified before entering their lungs, offering greater protection against dust, allergens, and environmental irritants.
- Nasal breathing is associated with optimal development of facial bones and dental arches, which can lead to fewer orthodontic issues as your child grows.
- By breathing through the nose, your child supports healthier sleep, reducing the risk of snoring and sleep-disordered breathing, which can interfere with growth and cognitive development.
- The nose produces nitric oxide, a compound that helps widen blood vessels, improve oxygen delivery, and support immune function, giving your child’s body more resources to fight illness.
- Nasal breathing is associated with proper tongue position and oral posture, helping to prevent issues like open bites, crowded teeth, and speech difficulties later in life.
- When your child breathes through their nose, they are less likely to experience dry mouth, which can lower the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
- Proper nasal breathing can help regulate your child’s breathing rate and heart rate, promoting relaxation, emotional regulation, and focus throughout the day.
Addressing Mouth Breathing
Since habitual mouth breathing is associated with dry mouth, improper tongue positioning, sleep problems and other issues, it should not be ignored! Here are some steps you can take to encourage proper breathing in your child:
- Find out if there are underlying issues. The human body is designed for nasal breathing, so mouth breathing usually indicates an underlying problem. Your child may engage in mouth breathing due to issues like allergies, nasal congestion, an untreated tongue tie, or orthodontic issues.
- Consult a professional. A pediatric dentist or another qualified professional can help to identify the root of the problem and guide you in your next steps.
- Encourage proper breathing at home. You may have to perform breathing exercises with your child, provide allergy medications, or take other steps at home to help them breathe properly.
Nasal breathing is best! If your child is not breathing properly, now is the time to take action to protect their health.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Adrienne is a board-certified pediatric dentist who enjoys working with families in the Aledo community. She offers a broad range of services, including comprehensive examinations, laser treatment of tongue ties, and more. If you have concerns about mouth breathing or anything else that relates to your child’s oral health, she and our team would be happy to consult with you. Contact our office at 817-406-2025.