Symptoms & Causes of Mouth Breathing & What To Do About Them

For kids and adults alike, habitually breathing through the mouth may indicate a serious but treatable underlying health condition. Mouth breathing also causes a range of potential problems, which is why it’s important for parents to learn the symptoms and causes of mouth breathing and what to do about them.

Definition of Mouth Breathing

Mouth breathing refers to regularly inhaling and exhaling through the mouth instead of the nose. Although this behavior may seem harmless and is common during strenuous activities when the body needs more oxygen, constant mouth breathing can lead to several health issues.

Possible Causes of Mouth Breathing

There are various causes of mouth breathing, ranging from temporary conditions such as a cold or nasal congestion to more chronic issues like nasal polyps or a deviated septum. However, one of the most common causes of mouth breathing in children is enlarged adenoids.

Adenoids are small patches of tissue located at the back of the nasal cavity. When they become inflamed or enlarged, they can obstruct the nasal passages and force a child to breathe through their mouth. One potential sign of adenoid problems in children is chronic thumb sucking. Sucking the thumb draws the tongue forward, opening up a larger passage in the back of the throat for breathing through the nose. Therefore, thumb sucking may be an unconscious means of making breathing easier, especially during sleep.

Potential Consequences of Mouth Breathing

Chronic mouth breathing can have numerous negative effects on health. It can lead to dryness of the oral tissues, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. It can also result in bad breath due to the altered bacterial environment in the mouth. Additionally, mouth breathing can cause drooling during sleep and contribute to sleep apnea.

In children, prolonged mouth breathing—and associated thumb sucking—can affect facial growth and development, leading to long, narrow faces, gummy smiles, and misaligned teeth. It can also cause poor sleep quality, which can impact growth, cognitive development, and behavior.

Treatments for Mouth Breathing

Treatments for mouth breathing largely depend on its underlying cause. If it is due to temporary conditions like a cold or allergies, decongestants or antihistamines may help. For chronic conditions, medical interventions, such as surgery to remove enlarged adenoids or correct a deviated septum, may be necessary.

In some cases, behavioral changes can also help. Breathing exercises can train individuals to breathe through their noses instead of their mouths. Orthodontic treatments may be beneficial for children with facial growth and dental alignment issues resulting from mouth breathing.

While mouth breathing may seem like a benign habit, it can lead to serious health consequences if left unaddressed. If you or your child exhibit symptoms of mouth breathing, it is important to seek medical advice to determine its cause and appropriate treatment.