Chronic oral respiration can have a significant impact on orthodontic development, especially in children whose facial and jaw structures are still forming. When a person uses the mouth instead of the nose, the lingual muscle does not rest in its natural position against the maxillary arch. This absence of optimal lingual support can lead to a underdeveloped upper arch and limited arch width for the teeth to erupt properly. Over time, this may result in malocclusion.
In addition, mouth breathers often develop what is known as an open bite, where the upper and lower front teeth do not occlude during closure. This happens because the lingual posture tends to rest between the teeth instead of on the palate, exerting persistent thrust that distalizes anterior dentition. The lower jaw may also descend posteriorly instead of anteriorly, contributing to a retrognathic mandible and an altered facial profile.
Persistent oral respiration is often linked to nasal congestion caused by environmental sensitivities, hypertrophied lymphoid tissue, or a anatomical nasal obstruction. These root causes need to be managed to halt progressive malocclusion. Early intervention by a pediatric specialist can help guide proper dental eruption before they become difficult to treat. In many cases, treating the root cause of the mouth breathing—such as reducing hypertrophic tissue or administering antihistamines—can allow the jaw and teeth to develop more normally.
Braces or aligners only may not be enough if oral respiration persists. Without retraining respiratory habits, 墨田区 前歯矯正 teeth can shift back even after treatment is completed. Tongue and facial muscle rehabilitation, which restores proper neuromuscular function, is often recommended alongside orthodontics to support long-term results.
Guardians should watch for red flags for airway issues in children, such as snoring, dry lips, chronic pharyngitis, or a constantly open mouth. Taking swift action can prevent not only dental misalignment but also improve overall health and restorative rest. Breathing through the nose is evolutionarily designed and encourages optimal skeletal formation, so fostering healthy airway habits is one of the most important steps in ensuring healthy dental development.
