Is Mouth Breathing when my Child Sleeps Bad? | Ask the Expert: Ear, Nose and Throat with Dr. Smedley at Utica Park Clinic

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Question:

My child is a “mouth breather” when she sleeps. Is that a bad thing?

Answer:

Mouth breathing is frequently a sign of nasal airway obstruction and does have specific implications that need to be considered.

First of all, the upper and lower teeth erupt from the gums and advance until they meet together to take their place in our normal bite pattern. Mouth breathing causes the molars (back teeth) to over-project. They are searching for that “comfortable match” with the opposing teeth, which does not happen while the mouth is open. The result can be misalignment (often severe) of the teeth. Extensive orthodontic treatments may be needed to correct this and other bite problems associated with mouth breathing. Check with your dentist and orthodontist to discuss the implications of mouth breathing on your child’s teeth.

Second, mouth breathing can be due to obstruction of the nose caused by enlarged adenoids or turbinates, and is made worse with large tonsils. When the mouth is open, the jaw, tongue, and throat musculature fall back and impinge upon the airway, causing snoring and long pauses between breaths. We call this obstructive sleep apnea. Signs of sleep apnea in children can range from daytime sleepiness, restless sleeping (tossing/turning), difficulty with waking in the mornings, hyperactivity through the day, bed wetting and difficulty focusing. Surgical intervention to address the tonsils, adenoids, and occasionally the turbinates, can make a significant difference in these symptoms and dramatically improve the day-to-day health and well-being of the child. Untreated sleep apnea in a child becomes untreated sleep apnea in an adult and it leads to increased lifetime risk of hypertension, heart attack and stroke.

Mouth breathing and/or snoring in a child is abnormal. Be sure to discuss your concerns with your primary care physician; an Ear, Nose & Throat specialist; and your dental professional to assure your child’s needs are properly addressed.