Mouth Breathing Management for Children
Smile Buddy Children’s Dentistry – Seton Calgary & Beaumont
Has your child developed a habit of breathing through their mouth, even when they’re not congested? At Smile Buddy Children’s Dentistry, with locations in Seton, Calgary and Beaumont, we help families understand and manage mouth breathing—a common but often overlooked issue that can affect a child’s oral and overall health.
Why Mouth Breathing Matters
Mouth breathing may seem harmless, but over time, it can lead to changes in how a child’s face, jaw, and teeth develop. It can also impact sleep quality, focus, and long-term dental health. When children breathe through their mouth instead of their nose, it may be a sign of underlying concerns such as sleep-disordered breathing, allergies, or structural issues in the nasal passage.
What to Watch For
Mouth breathing can show up alongside symptoms like:
- Snoring or noisy breathing at night
- Dry mouth or bad breath
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Daytime fatigue or trouble concentrating
- Morning headaches
- Jaw discomfort or misaligned bite
- Long face appearance or poor facial growth
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to bring your child in for an evaluation.
Common Causes of Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing is often the body’s way of compensating for a blocked nasal airway. Common causes include:
- Allergies or chronic nasal congestion
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- A deviated septum
- Habitual mouth posture
- Sleep apnea or related conditions
Children aren’t always aware that mouth breathing isn’t normal, which is why early recognition is so important.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Children’s facial bones and dental arches develop rapidly, especially between birth and age 12. Chronic mouth breathing can lead to malocclusion (misaligned bite), changes in jaw position, and even a narrower airway. By identifying the problem early, we can help guide healthy growth and prevent long-term complications.
How Smile Buddy Can Help
At Smile Buddy, we take a collaborative approach to managing mouth breathing:
- Comprehensive Assessment: We examine your child’s airway, oral structures, and breathing patterns.
- Early Intervention: If mouth breathing is present, we work with you and your child to identify the cause and create a customized care plan.
- Dental Appliances: Tools such as palatal expanders may be recommended to widen the upper jaw and improve nasal airflow.
- Coordination of Care: When necessary, we work closely with your child’s primary care physician or ENT specialist for full-circle care.
- Ongoing Monitoring: We’ll keep an eye on your child’s growth and development, adjusting the plan as needed.
If you're concerned about your child's breathing habits or oral development, the team at Smile Buddy is here to help. We’re committed to supporting healthy smiles—and healthy breathing—from the start.