Some of us may not be aware of how we breathe because it is a natural thing that happens by itself. Normal breathing is through the nose, instead of breathing through the mouth. However, do you know, that if your child breathes through his mouth, it means that something is wrong with him?
While it’s normal for a child to partly breathe through their mouth while talking or exercising, mouth breathing is an abnormal breathing pattern that is known to have serious implications for a child’s health.
The following Thevolume.net summarizes the impact of mouth breathing on children that it is important for Moms to know, as reported by Hill District Mums:
Dry mouth and lips
The impact of the child breathing with the mouth that is most clearly lost is a dry mouth and dry chapped lips. Breathing through the mouth reduces saliva production and increases the evaporation of saliva. If the mouth is dry, it increases the risk of tooth decay, and inflammation of the gums, and causes bad breath in children.
Asthma gets worse
The impact of children breathing through their mouths if the child has had asthma before is that the condition is getting worse. This is because there is no air filter system when the child breathes through the mouth, unlike when breathing through the nose.
Breathing through the nose enables an air filter system that filters out irritants, pollutants, and allergens. While breathing through the mouth is the same as inhaling direct air that is dry, cold, and contains allergens.
Changes in teeth and palate
When breathing through the mouth, the child’s tongue tends to push. When the tongue pushes, the tongue rests in a forward and down position. The constant pressure on the teeth and jawbone can affect the alignment of the teeth and the development of the jaw.
Sticking out the tongue (tongue thrusting)
To help create an airway, the tongue moves forward. This results in the development of an abnormality known as tongue thrust swallow.
Tongue thrusting is the habit of protruding the tongue and pressing the anterior teeth at rest, during the speech, or swallowing. As a result of this habit will occur malocclusion. To overcome this habit, you can use a removable or fixed tongue crib device, as stated in the Journal of Vocational Health Studies.
Those with this disorder experience speech disorders, such as a slurred “s” and “z” sound, in which the tongue protrudes between the front teeth. Some also experience pushed teeth so that the shape is slightly forward.
Changes in face shape
As mentioned earlier, mouth breathing can affect jaw development.
The long-term impact of mouth breathing on children is a serious effect on the growth and development of a narrow jaw, with a small chin.
The impact of mouth breathing is serious, ma’am. Should not let the child breathe through the mouth without proper treatment. If you see any of these effects on your child, consult your pediatrician immediately.
Early treatment can minimize the potential risks and dangers associated with the impact of a child’s mouth breathing so as to enable the child to lead a healthy and normal life.
