Mouth breathing: how it affects the teeth (especially in children)

In short: we take breathing for granted, but doing it through the mouth instead of the nose as a habit —especially as a child— can take a toll on the mouth: a narrower palate, an altered bite, crowded teeth and a dry mouth. The good news is that, caught in time, it can be corrected while the mouth is still forming.

Why does the child breathe through the mouth?

There is almost always something blocking the nose: repeated colds, allergies, enlarged adenoids or deviations. The child breathes where they can —the mouth— and over time that “emergency mode” becomes a habit even when the nose is clear again.

Why it matters, beyond the breathing

Because a child’s mouth is still forming, and posture matters. Always breathing with the mouth open tends to narrow the palate, alter the bite and encourage crowding. It also dries out the mouth, and a dry mouth means more cavities and bad breath.

Signs to look out for (in children)

• Sleeps with the mouth open and sometimes snores or drools on the pillow.
• Wakes up tired, with dark circles or without having rested well.
• Often has dry, cracked lips.
• Struggles to breathe through the nose when you ask them to.

So what do I do?

Two fronts at once:

1. Find the cause with the paediatrician or ENT (allergies, adenoids…). If the nose clears, half the battle is won.
2. Have the mouth assessed by the dentist or orthodontist: sometimes early treatment helps widen the palate and steer growth. The earlier, the easier.

In adults it counts too (dry mouth, snoring), but it’s in childhood that you can most influence how the mouth grows. If you’re thinking of a habit like the dummy or thumb, this is along the same lines: sustained postures that shape the mouth.

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Have you noticed your little one always breathing through the mouth? Bring them for a check-up and we’ll assess it calmly; the first visit is free. Book an appointment whenever suits you.