Breathing Issues and Sleep

As children grow, proper breathing is essential to their health, development, and educational success. Children who cannot breathe well through their nose tend to breathe more through their mouth, attributing to snoring and disturbed sleep. Sleep disorders in children and adolescents are common; even infants may have sleep disorders. Studies have shown that poor sleep quality and/or quantity in children are associated with a host of problems, including academic, behavioral, developmental and social difficulties, weight abnormalities, and other health problems.

How Does Breathing Affect Development?

The tongue often positions itself in the lower jaw to allow a child to breathe more readily through the mouth. This pressure changes the growth of the lower jaw so that it grows more vertically, making the child’s face grow longer. Since nasal breathing is severely compromised by this, the upper jaw and mid-face (nasal bones, cheek bones, and bones supporting the tissue of the face) fail to develop at a normal rate because the natural growth stimulant of air flow through the nose is absent.

Why Nasal Breathing is So Important to Our Health

Nasal breathing, a natural, instinctual process plays a crucial role in our overall health. Breathing is fundamental to life, but not all breaths are created equal. Nasal breathing, the act of inhaling and exhaling through the nostrils, stands out as the optimal way to oxygenate the body. Unlike mouth breathing, which bypasses the filtration and humidification processes of the nasal passages, nasal breathing acts as a natural air purifier, warming and moistening the air before it reaches the lungs. Our nasal filtration system also supports immune function, reducing the risk of respiratory infections and allergies.

Mouth breathing, while often considered a habit, can result from various underlying factors that hinder the natural preference for nasal breathing.

Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a condition where the upper passages of your airway close off, causing an interruption in your breathing and depriving you of oxygen until you wake up. It causes excessive daytime sleepiness because the cycle of oxygen deprivation and waking occur over an over throughout the night.

Sleep-disordered breathing is associated with various health issues and risk factors, affecting your quality of life. Knowing more about sleep-disordered breathing and getting an accurate diagnosis is essential to finding effective treatment.

Treatment of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders and Mouth Breathing

Addressing OMDs and associated mouth breathing typically involves a multidisciplinary approach that may include:

• Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy: This specialized therapy focuses on retraining the muscles of the face and mouth to correct dysfunctional patterns, promote proper tongue posture, and encourage nasal breathing.

• Orthodontic Intervention: Orthodontic treatment may be necessary to correct dental and skeletal issues resulting from OMDs, such as malocclusion or dental crowding, which can contribute to mouth breathing.

• Nasal Airway Management: Addressing underlying nasal congestion or obstruction through medical interventions such as allergy management, nasal steroid sprays, or surgical procedures may improve nasal breathing and reduce reliance on mouth breathing.

• Behavioral Modification: Encouraging behavioral changes to discourage mouth breathing habits, such as promoting awareness of breathing patterns and practicing nasal breathing exercises, can be beneficial.

Mouth breathing associated with orofacial myofunctional disorders underscores the intricate relationship between oral function, facial anatomy, and respiratory health. By addressing the underlying muscle dysfunction and promoting proper oral habits, individuals can alleviate mouth breathing symptoms and improve overall well-being. Collaboration between healthcare professionals, including orofacial myofunctional therapists, orthodontists, and otolaryngologists, is essential to develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to individual needs.