When the upper airway is recurrently obstructed by allergies, colds, adenoid inflammation or other causes, there is a tendency to mouth breathing.
In the case of children it is important that we treat the cause of nasal obstruction as soon as possible, so that oral breathing does not become a habit. Otherwise, this breathing pattern can be established, which has negative consequences for the development of the oral sphere and the orofacial structure (bones, organs and orofacial tissues). Mouth breathing can even affect the individual’s body posture and overall performance.
Symptoms of mouth breathing
The main striking feature of mouth breathing is the posture of the mouth, which is always open. This is especially evident when the individual is performing tasks that require full attention, such as watching television or reading. In many cases there are also swallowing disturbances, such as atypical swallowing, whereby food remains in the mouth.
There are other aspects that could be a warning sign:
– The child snores, sleeps poorly or is very tired during the day.
– Exhaustion when running
– Dark circles under the eyes
– Dysphonia
– Incipient or established structural alteration of the teeth.
What are the consequences of mouth breathing?
The consequences of mouth breathing are very broad, ranging from structural to functional alterations.
To begin with, the anomalous posture adopted in oral respiration (with the tongue descended) leads to the palate not forming correctly, since the tongue does not make the corresponding pressure on it inside the mouth. In this way the palate tends to narrow, thanks to the effect of the pressure of the orofacial muscles.
On the other hand, muscle mass is lost, which results in alterations of lingual strength, tone and mobility, thus affecting the orofacial functions of articulation, swallowing and chewing. In addition, the masticatory muscles are more hypotonic, so when they have to chew things that require strength and resistance, they become very tired. This also leads to orofacial pain, bruxism and alterations in the temporomandibular joint.
Another consequence is usually that part of the tongue slightly obstructs the pharynx, so that the respiratory channel is reduced. To improve the inspiratory capacity, the individual will tend to move forward the head and thus generate more space in the pharynx, altering the postural chain and generating possible rectifications in the spine.
Finally, tongue hypotonia and alteration of the tongue in the pharynx cause sleep to be accompanied by snoring, apneas and incorrect oxygenation. Therefore, it is possible that a restful sleep is not achieved and that the intellectual and academic performance of the child is altered.
When should a specialist be consulted?
Speech Therapy specialists recommend taking children for consultation if the following warning signs are present:
- Has an open mouth most of the time
- Drools during the day and night
- Eats with open mouth
- Snores
- Not sleeping well
If any of these characteristics are observed, it is important to see a speech therapist. This will make a diagnosis and can begin to work to rehabilitate nasal breathing and improve the tone and mobility of the muscles and structures altered, reestablishing orofacial functions and avoiding further structural alterations.
Nasal breathing is rehabilitated by means of myofunctional therapy, that is, working the different orofacial muscles to achieve a correct positioning of the organs and, therefore, a proper functioning of the same.