Breathing Right from the Start: The Importance of Orofacial Myology for Mouth-Breathing Kids
Breathing is a fundamental aspect of life, yet it is often taken for granted. For most people, breathing through the nose comes naturally, but for some children, mouth breathing becomes a habitual pattern. Mouth breathing can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only their oral health but also their overall well-being. In recent years, orofacial myology has emerged as a promising field that addresses this issue, offering hope for mouth-breathing children to achieve proper breathing and optimal health.
Understanding Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing occurs when a child habitually breathes through the mouth instead of the nose, even during periods of rest. While occasional mouth breathing is normal, chronic mouth breathing can lead to various problems. In many cases, mouth breathing is a result of obstructions in the nasal passages, such as allergies or enlarged adenoids, making it difficult for the child to breathe properly through the nose.
Consequences of Mouth Breathing in Children
Mouth breathing can impact a child's health in numerous ways, and the consequences may extend into adulthood if left untreated. Some of the common issues associated with mouth breathing in children include:
1. Oral Health Problems: Breathing through the mouth can cause dryness, leading to reduced saliva flow, and contributing to tooth decay and gum disease. The mouth's natural ability to cleanse and protect against harmful bacteria is compromised.
2. Facial Development: Chronic mouth breathing can alter the way a child's face grows and develops, leading to a long, narrow face, high-arched palate, and improper alignment of the jaw. These changes can affect a child's appearance and may necessitate orthodontic treatment later in life.
3. Speech and Language Development: Mouth breathing can impact a child's ability to articulate certain sounds and words properly, potentially leading to speech difficulties.
4. Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB): Mouth breathing is closely associated with sleep problems, such as snoring and sleep apnea. SDB can result in poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, and difficulty concentrating at school.
5. Behavioral and Emotional Challenges: Children who struggle with mouth breathing may experience reduced self-esteem due to altered facial appearance and speech issues, leading to emotional challenges.
The Role of Orofacial Myology
Orofacial myology is a specialized therapy that focuses on the assessment and treatment of orofacial muscles and their relationship to proper facial development, breathing, and swallowing. It aims to establish correct muscle function and eliminate incorrect habits, including mouth breathing. Orofacial myologists are trained to work with children to retrain their oral muscles and promote nasal breathing.
Benefits of Orofacial Myology for Mouth-Breathing Kids
1. Correcting Oral Habits: Orofacial myology can help children unlearn the habit of mouth breathing and establish nasal breathing as the default pattern. By addressing the root cause of mouth breathing, long-term oral health can be improved.
2. Facial Development: Early intervention through orofacial myology can positively influence facial growth and development. By encouraging proper muscle function, children can achieve a balanced facial appearance and a well-aligned jaw.
3. Improved Speech and Language: Correcting mouth breathing can aid in speech and language development, enabling children to communicate effectively and confidently.
4. Better Sleep and Overall Health: By addressing sleep-disordered breathing, orofacial myology can significantly improve sleep quality, leading to better overall health and cognitive function.
5. Enhanced Self-esteem: As children experience improved oral health, speech, and appearance, their self-esteem, and confidence are likely to increase, positively impacting their social and academic life.
Thanks for reading,
Alexandra Strachan M.S.,CCC-SLP, OMT.
