At certain times mouth breathing is needed, especially during strenuous exercise. However at rest, breathing through the mouth most of the time is not normal. These problems can be crucial in children because it affects the long-term development of facial growth.
Naturally air is brought through the nose to our bodies. The nose is a natural humidifier and filtering system for the air we breathe. If we start breathing through our mouths most of the time which is not nature’s intent, many issues can start to arise.
Mouth breathing is a postural habit that can develop from allergies, thumb/Finger sucking habits enlarged tonsils/Adenoids, chronic nasal congestion and recurrent respiratory infection. Mouth breathing will than change the way the tongue works and develops a tongue thrust, thus affecting speech, swallowing, breathing and chewing in problematic ways. This starts a vicious cycle of abnormal development especially in children in terms of facial growth, teeth crowding and ability to thrive.
The stem of the problem in many cases is oxygen deprivation. In children, this can adversely affect growth and academic performance. It has even been connected to add and adhd symptoms
To find out more information and what
treatment options
are available please contact us at refresh smiles dental on (07) 3488 2079 or visit our website on
www.refreshsmiles.com.au.
