Why Nasal Breathing Matters for Your Child's Development

As a parent, you likely pay close attention to your child’s eating, sleeping, and speech milestones—but have you ever stopped to notice how your child breathes?

You might be surprised to learn that nasal breathing—breathing through the nose rather than the mouth—is not only the body’s natural way of taking in air, but it's also critical for healthy development in children. When a child primarily mouth breathes, it can affect their oral development, sleep quality, speech, attention, and even behavior.

We work closely with children who struggle with mouth breathing and the many challenges it brings. Whether a child has allergies, enlarged tonsils, chronic congestion, or a habit of open-mouth posture, the root cause is always worth exploring.

Why is Nasal Breathing so Important?

The human body is designed to breathe through the nose. The nose acts as a filter and humidifier, warming and cleaning the air before it enters the lungs. This not only protects the lungs from irritants and allergens but also maximizes oxygen exchange, which is essential for a growing brain and body.

Some key benefits of nasal breathing include:

✅ Better oxygen delivery to the brain and body, supporting learning, focus, and physical health

✅ Improved sleep quality, which is vital for growth, emotional regulation, and memory

✅ Support for healthy facial and jaw development, reducing the risk of orthodontic issues

✅ Proper tongue posture, which is essential for clear speech and strong feeding skills

✅ Stronger immunity, as the nose traps bacteria, dust, and other harmful particles

The Hidden Signs of Mouth Breathing

Mouth breathing isn’t always obvious. Some children breathe quietly through their mouths, especially while sleeping, and parents may not notice anything wrong. But here are some common signs to watch for:

Chronic mouth breathing is often linked to enlarged tonsils or adenoids, seasonal allergies, tongue tie, or nasal obstruction.

How We Can Help

We take a whole-child approach to understanding why a child might be mouth breathing. This may include:

• Orofacial myofunctional assessments to evaluate tongue posture, oral habits, and facial development

• Speech and feeding evaluations to identify any challenges with coordination, articulation, or oral strength

• Referrals to allied professionals such as ENT specialists, allergists, or airway-focused dentists when needed

• Myofunctional therapy, which uses fun, targeted exercises to retrain the muscles of the face and mouth for better breathing, eating, and speaking

Our goal is not just to treat the symptoms but to address the root cause and support your child’s growth in a gentle, effective, and encouraging way.

If you suspect your child may be a mouth breather—or if they have challenges with speech, feeding, or sleep—an assessment may be warranted. We’re here to support your family and collaborate with other professionals to give your child the healthiest foundation possible.

Nasal breathing may seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference in your child’s overall well-being.