The Key to Healthy Growth: Healthy Breathing

Breathing is the most natural act in life — but how we breathe, especially during childhood, profoundly shapes the development of our face and jaws. Nasal breathing during growth supports proper widening of the upper jaw, lower jaw positioning and even posture. Mouth breathing reverses all of this.

How Mouth Breathing Affects the Face

Children who breathe through their mouth can develop a characteristic facial pattern over time: a longer lower face, a narrow palate, protruding front teeth and a set-back lower jaw. This presentation is sometimes referred to clinically as “adenoid face.” When the tongue fails to rest on the palate, lateral development of the upper jaw slows, laying the groundwork for crowded teeth.

What Are the Early Signs?

If you notice any of the following in your child, we recommend consulting an orthodontist or ENT specialist:

• Mouth consistently open, especially during sleep
• Snoring or breathing pauses during sleep
• Frequent night waking, waking feeling tired
• Tongue thrust (forward tongue posture)
• Open bite (front teeth not meeting)
• Attention and concentration difficulties

When Does Myofunctional Therapy Come In?

When an airway problem is identified, myofunctional therapy may be recommended alongside orthodontic treatment. This therapy re-trains the tongue, lip and facial muscles to support nasal breathing, correct swallowing patterns and normalise the resting position of the mouth. Exercises started at a young age can yield results more quickly, because bones and muscles are still forming.

The Role of Orthodontic Intervention

A narrow palate and crowded teeth can be both a cause and a consequence of airway problems. Upper jaw expansion devices (RPE or slow expanders) widen the palate, improving nasal airflow and making breathing easier. When applied between ages 7–10, bone flexibility is at its peak and outcomes are more lasting.

What You Can Do at Home

Alongside professional support, some habits can help reduce mouth breathing: humidifying the child’s sleep environment, investigating allergy triggers, weaning off the dummy at the right time and practising chewing exercises. Short nasal-clearance routines before bedtime can also be beneficial.

The Growth Institute Approach

Every patient assessment at our clinic includes a review of breathing pattern and tongue position. Our airway-focused orthodontic philosophy means we look after not just the teeth, but your child’s entire facial structure and long-term health. Contact us for an early assessment — small steps taken during the growth years make a lifelong difference.