Why Kids Might Be Breathing Through Their Mouths and What to Do

Kids breathing through their mouths is a common sight, but it's not always just a habit. It can actually change how their faces and jaws grow. This can lead to issues like a smaller lower jaw, a narrow roof of the mouth, and lips that don't close properly. The big question is, should parents be concerned about this? The discussion around this topic is complex. Some experts believe that orthodontists should intervene early to correct these issues. They think that early treatment can prevent more serious problems later. But others aren't so sure. They argue that there isn't enough evidence to support early treatment and that it might even cause more harm than good. There are many studies on this topic, both old and new. Some show that mouth breathing can affect how a kid's face grows, leading to issues like a small lower jaw or a narrow roof of the mouth. This can also make the face grow more up and down than side to side, which can cause other problems. But not everyone agrees on what to do about it. Some experts think that orthodontists should start treating kids as young as 3 years old. They believe that early treatment can prevent bigger problems later on. But others aren't so sure. They say that there isn't enough evidence to support early treatment, and that it might even cause more harm than good. So, what's the verdict? Well, it's not so clear-cut. Some experts say that mouth breathing can definitely cause problems, but others aren't so sure. The truth is, we still don't know enough about how mouth breathing affects kids in the long run. But one thing is for sure: if you're a parent, it's important to keep an eye on your kid's breathing habits. If you notice that they're breathing through their mouth a lot, it might be worth talking to a doctor or a dentist about it. They can help you figure out if there's a problem and what to do about it. And what about the role of orthodontists? Well, that's still up for debate. Some say that they should be involved early on, while others say that we need more evidence before we can make a decision. But one thing is clear: we need to keep talking about this issue and doing more research. Only then can we figure out the best way to help kids who are mouth breathers.