Child Mouth Breathing: Signs, Risks and Myofunctional Therapy Solutions In Ottawa
The simple act of breathing through the mouth instead of the nose can reshape a child’s face—and their future. Early myofunctional therapy can redirect facial growth and prevent lifelong airway issues.
Why Nasal Breathing Matters
“Research suggests that as many as 38% of children habitually breathe through their mouths during sleep—a pattern linked to disrupted sleep, narrow palates, long facial growth, and behavioral challenges during the school day.”
— Frontiers in Public Health, 2024
Detrimental Effects of Mouth Breathing?
Tooth crowding & Decreased Airway
Dark circles under eyes & Long Face Syndrome
Frequent Cavities & Sick more often
Tired, Hyperactive & exhibit ADHA symptoms.
Beyond the Basics — What the Science Says
When a child relies on the mouth to breathe, the tongue drops from the palate and the orofacial muscles shift downward and backward. Over time this upsets the gentle “push–pull” forces that normally guide jaw width and mid-face growth. 3-D imaging studies show that habitual mouth breathers tend to develop a longer, narrower face, a high-arched palate, and a smaller nasal cavity — changes that further increase airway resistance.¹
The impact is more than cosmetic. Nasal breathing warms, humidifies, and filters incoming air, and releases a small but important burst of nitric oxide produced in the paranasal sinuses. Nitric oxide acts as a local vasodilator and antimicrobial; children who bypass this system experience higher rates of colds, ear infections, and chronic sinus issues.²
Sleep quality suffers as well. Even mild mouth opening can let the soft tissues of the throat collapse, fragmenting deep-wave and REM sleep that are vital for memory consolidation and growth-hormone release. Daytime consequences — inattentiveness, hyperactivity, mood swings — often mimic primary ADHD when the true culprit is nocturnal airway instability.³
The good news? Facial growth remains highly adaptable until puberty. By guiding the tongue back to the palate, strengthening the lip seal, and coaching relaxed nasal–diaphragmatic breathing, orofacial myofunctional therapy can harness that malleability to widen the maxilla, open the airway, and restore healthy breathing patterns before skeletal changes become permanent.
Sources:
1. Basheer B, Hegde KS, Bhat SS, Umar D, Baroudi K. *Influence of mouth breathing on the dentofacial growth of children: a cephalometric study.* **Journal of International Oral Health.** 2014;6(6):50-55. ([PubMed][1])
2. Djupesland PG, Chatkin JM, Qian W, Haight JS. *Nitric oxide in the nasal airway: a new dimension in otorhinolaryngology.* **American Journal of Otolaryngology.** 2001;22(1):19-32. ([PubMed][2])
3. Youssef LA, et al. *Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and sleep-disordered breathing in children: a meta-analysis.* **Sleep Medicine Reviews.** 2014;18(7):589-598. ([PubMed][3])
Root Causes of Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing rarely has a single culprit. Common contributors include:
Enlarged adenoids or tonsils
Untreated allergies or chronic congestion
Tongue‑tie restricting proper tongue posture
Habitual pacifier/thumb Sucking
How Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Helps
Assessment
Airway screening, muscle tone tests, photos & measurements.
Personalized exercises
Fun, game‑based drills that “seal the lips, lift the tongue, open the airway.”
Habit reinforcement
Check‑ins, parent coaching, and sleep‑time strategies.
We perform a 360º OMT assessment at our Ottawa clinic to pinpoint each child’s unique mix of factors.
Case Snapshot — Naomi, age 7
“Within three months Naomi stopped snoring, slept with her mouth closed and woke up full of energy. Her teacher noticed she was less tired and more focused in class.” — Naomi’s mom
Book a free 45‑minute consultation (in‑person or virtual) to learn if myofunctional therapy is right for your child.
Our clinic welcomes families from across Ottawa.
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