Many parents and adults come to our clinic and are worried about their or their child's facial shape change. are Mouth breathing is not just a simple habit; This is a sign that over time can cause a long face, receding chin and dental problems such as open bite. The good news is that with proper diagnosis and mouth breathing treatment, these changes can be corrected. In this article, by reviewing the pictures, diagrams and practical guide, you will see how this problem can be managed and treated and when you should refer to Orthodontist and ENT.
Why mouth breathing should not be ignored?
Before we examine the cause of mouth breathing and its diagnosis methods, it is necessary to pay attention to one key point: mouth breathing is not just a simple habit or a temporary problem. This incorrect breathing pattern, especially if ignored during the child's development, can over time affect the jaw structure, face shape, teeth position and even sleep quality.
Many people who are facing changes such as face stretching, chin receding or disorderly and crowded teeth, experienced symptoms of mouth breathing years ago; Without this problem being properly diagnosed. In fact, what is seen in the appearance of the face is often the result of a hidden dysfunction in the way of breathing.
Understanding the direct connection between mouth breathing and facial shape changes is the first step to prevent skeletal and dental complications in the future. For this reason, before entering into more specialized discussions, it is necessary to take seriously the importance of timely diagnosis and careful examination of this breathing pattern; A decision that can completely change the course of treatment.
Dr. Farinaz Shirban's experience about mouth breathing in Isfahan
"Over the years of observing patients, I have noticed that chronic mouth breathing can gradually change the shape of the face and the growth pattern of the teeth. Children and adults who breathe through the mouth instead of the nose may experience a long face, receding chin, and crowded teeth. Early diagnosis and combined treatment, including orthodontics and correcting the breathing path, is the key to restoring the correct function and beauty of the face."
- Dr. Farinaz Shirban, pediatric orthodontic specialist and adults in Isfahan
Are these facial changes familiar to you?
Many people and parents don't notice subtle changes in facial shape until they are compared to before and after pictures. The effect of mouth breathing on the shape of the face can be seen in several key cases: elongated face, receding chin and open lips.
Viewing these images will help you better understand the changes caused by mouth breathing and understand the importance of timely diagnosis.
What is the main cause of mouth breathing? Closed nasal passage or maxillary stenosis
One of the most frequent questions that patients and parents ask is: "What is the cause of mouth breathing and why does a person breathe through the mouth instead of the nose?" The scientific and accurate answer is that the body always chooses the easiest path for air passage. Whenever natural breathing through the nose is obstructed, mouth breathing is activated as an alternative route.
In general, there are two main and root causes for breathing through the mouth, and their correct diagnosis is considered the basis of successful treatment.
closed nose; From allergies to deviated nasal septum
The nose is naturally designed to purify, humidify and regulate air temperature. But in many people, the respiratory tract of the nose is blocked or narrowed for various reasons.
The most common of these factors are:
- Chronic allergies and nasal mucosa inflammation
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids (especially in children)
- Nasal polyps
- Nasal septum deviation
In such a situation, a person involuntarily turns to mouth breathing to provide the oxygen needed by the body. This condition is especially aggravated during sleep and is usually accompanied by symptoms such as dry mouth, snoring, poor quality sleep and waking up feeling tired.
The important point here is that if nasal obstruction is not resolved during the growing age, mouth breathing can become a permanent pattern and gradually affect the structure of the jaw, teeth and even the shape of the face.
maxillary stenosis; The hidden and little-known cause of mouth breathing
Contrary to popular belief, the cause of mouth breathing does not always start from the nose. In many patients, the main problem lies in the structure of the upper jaw.
When the upper jaw is narrow and the palate is deep, there is not enough space for air to pass properly through the nasal cavities. The result of this situation is a decrease in the natural flow of air and a gradual dependence on oral breathing.
This state is usually accompanied by signs such as:
- Crowding and disorder of teeth
- crossbyte or openbyte
- stretching of the face and receding of the chin
In response to the common question "What is the difference between breathing through the mouth and the nose?" It should be said that nasal breathing not only provides more effective oxygenation, but also plays a key role in the natural growth of the jaws, the balance of the facial muscles, and the health of the teeth. On the other hand, mouth breathing is a compensatory and unhealthy path that, if continued, can lead to orthodontic problems and permanent facial changes.
Diagnosing whether the main cause of mouth breathing is nasal obstruction or maxillary stenosis requires specialized evaluation and a multidimensional view. This is where the role of an orthodontic specialist, along with other specialties, becomes decisive and vital.
Symptoms of mouth breathing in children: parents should not ignore these signs!
If you are a parent, it is important to look for signs of mouth breathing in your child. Many children cannot articulate their breathing problems clearly, and parents need to watch closely to recognize the signs. Like adults, children who breathe through their mouths often snore at night. Other common symptoms are:
- Physical growth slower than normal
- Irritability and change of mood
- Increased episodes of crying at night
- Big and swollen tonsils
- Dry and cracked lips
- Concentration and learning problems at school
- Drowsiness and boredom during the day
Early diagnosis of these symptoms can help prevent long-term complications of mouth breathing and orthodontic problems. For detailed examination and treatment guidance, consultation with a children's orthodontic specialist is the best course of action.
The effect of oral breathing on the face and teeth; A change that happens gradually
Many people realize the problem when they ask themselves: "Why is my face longer?" or "Why is my chin receding?" The fact is that mouth breathing, if not recognized in time, can slowly but continuously change the shape of the face and the position of the teeth. These changes are not sudden; Rather, they are the result of years of incorrect breathing, imbalance of facial muscles and abnormal growth of the jaws.
The effect of oral breathing on the shape of the face (adenoid face)
One of the most well-known side effects of mouth breathing is a condition known in medicine as adenoid face. In this pattern, gradually:
- stretches and becomes narrower
- The chin moves backwards
- The lips find a permanent half-open state
- The angle of the lower jaw loses its natural clarity
These changes are especially important in growing children, as their facial structure is still forming. If there is no timely intervention, this pattern can be stabilized until adulthood.
Effect of mouth breathing on teeth and occlusion
Oral breathing does not only affect the appearance of the face; Rather, it is considered one of the important factors causing orthodontic problems. In patients with oral breathing, the following are usually observed:
- Irregularity and crowding of teeth
- Openbite (front teeth not meeting)
- Crossbite due to upper jaw narrowness
- Unbalanced growth of upper and lower jaw
The reason for this is simple but important:
Keeping the mouth open and the incorrect placement of the tongue disrupts the natural balance of muscle forces and changes the growth path of the jaws and teeth.
The promising point here is that in many cases, if the cause of mouth breathing is correctly diagnosed, with targeted orthodontic treatment, both breathing function can be corrected and facial shape and normal occlusion can be improved.
complications of oral breathing; When a simple habit becomes a serious problem
mouth breathing is not just a different way of breathing; Rather, if it remains chronic and untreated, it can lead to a series of appearance, dental and health complications that many patients only notice in advanced stages. Knowing these complications is the first step to make an informed decision and take timely action.
change face shape; Elongated face and receding chin
One of the most common and worrying consequences of mouth breathing is the gradual change in the shape of the face. In this situation, especially in children and teenagers, the growth pattern of the face is disturbed. In patients with oral breathing, these changes are usually seen:
- stretched and narrowing of the face
- Retraction of the chin and weakness in the view of the lower jaw
- Increasing the height of the face and reducing the proportion of the facial components
- relatively open lips at rest
This pattern, which is sometimes known as adenoid face, is the result of years of breathing through the mouth and the lack of balance of the muscles of the face and tongue. Chin receding during oral breathing is one of the most important reasons for adult patients to seek orthodontic treatment.
dental problems; Openbite, crossbite and crowded teeth
The effect of mouth breathing on teeth is completely predictable and scientifically proven. When the mouth is constantly open and the tongue is not in its correct position, the natural course of teeth growth and jaw growth is changed.
The most common dental problems related to mouth breathing are:
- Malocclusion
- Openbite (front teeth not meeting)
- Crossbite due to upper jaw narrowness
- Severe crowding and disorganization of the teeth
- Abnormal growth or delay in the growth of some teeth
These problems not only affect the beauty of the smile, but also disrupt the chewing function and even the correct pronunciation of words.
Health problems; Decreased sleep quality and chronic fatigue
The side effects of mouth breathing are not limited to the mouth and face. Breathing through the mouth, especially during sleep, reduces the quality of oxygen supply to the body. Patients with mouth breathing often complain of these symptoms:
- Restless sleep and waking up feeling tired Dry mouth and throat in the morning
- Decreasing concentration and daily fatigue
- In children: restlessness, loss of concentration and learning disorder
These are warning signs that mouth breathing should be taken seriouslyand not just a simple or temporary habit.
Roadmap for mouth breathing treatment in Isfahan; Expert approach in Dr. Shirban's clinic
Oral breathing therapy is not a one-step process or simply using an orthodontic appliance. Clinical experience has shown that successful and long-lasting treatment is achieved only when the main cause is correctly diagnosed and the treatment process is carried out step by step and as a team. In our specialized orthodontic clinic, for children and adults with mouth breathing, a scientific, structured and personalized road map is designed that takes into account both the health of breathing and the shape of the face.
The first step: working with an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) to clear the nasal obstruction
The first basic question in the treatment of mouth breathing is whether the nasal passage is properly open or not. In many patients, the cause of mouth breathing can include chronic allergies, nasal polyps, or deviated septum. In this situation, before any orthodontic procedure, the patient is referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) for a detailed examination and treatment of the cause of the blockage. This interdisciplinary cooperation allows root treatment to be carried out and the possibility of the problem returning to a minimum after the end of orthodontics.
If you are ready for a face-to-face consultation, first orthodontic consultation session will guide you.
The second step: orthodontic treatment to correct the jaw and airway structure
If research shows that upper jaw narrowness is the main cause of mouth breathing, orthodontic treatment plays a key role in opening the breathing path and correcting the jaw structure.
Treatment of mouth breathing in children; The best time to intervene
In growing age, the most effective treatment method is to use Palatal Expander. By increasing the width of the upper jaw, this device opens up the nasal airway space, guides the natural growth of the jaw and face, and prevents the face from changing in the future. For this reason, mouth breathing treatment in children if done at the right time, will be simpler, shorter and much more successful in terms of results.
How to prevent mouth breathing in children?
- Watch out for the symptoms of chronic nasal congestion.
- Check the child's sleeping habits; Take seriously snoring, daily sleepiness and open mouth while sleeping.
- If symptoms are observed, refer the child to an orthodontist or ENT specialist for evaluation to identify structural problems such as jaw stenosis or deviated nasal septum.
Timely diagnosis and correct treatment can prevent long-term changes in facial shape and dental problems and improve the quality of life of the child.
To better understand the orthodontic process after extra teeth extraction, read Baby teeth orthodontics and learn the stages of teeth development.
Treatment of oral breathing in adults; Possible but specialized
Contrary to popular belief, mouth breathing treatment in adults is also possible, but the type of treatment depends on the severity of the problem and the structural conditions of the jaw. Depending on the patient's condition, treatment can include specialized orthodontics, the use of assistive devices to correct the airway, or in severe cases, orthodontics combined with jaw surgery (orthosurgery). Choosing the right method is done only after careful examination and examination of diagnostic images.
Read Things you need to know about maxillofacial surgery! to learn about maxillofacial surgery and important points before and after it.
How does a doctor diagnose mouth breathing?
To evaluate mouth breathing, a doctor may use several simple tests to identify the cause of the problem and suggest appropriate treatment:
- Lip sealing test: checking whether a child or an adult can breathe with their mouth closed.
- Mirror test: Placing a mirror under the nose to look for vapor or cloudiness, which indicates breathing through the nose.
- Water test: Keeping water in the mouth to measure the ability to breathe through the nose.
Also, the doctor asks questions like: "Do you keep your mouth open when you are distracted?" or "Do you wake up with a headache?" It asks for a full evaluation.
The third step: teaching and stabilizing correct breathing through the nose
After opening the breathing path and correcting the jaw structure, the final stage of treatment is teaching and stabilizing the correct breathing pattern through the nose. At this stage, the patient is helped to abandon the habit of mouth breathing and maintain nasal breathing during sleep and wakefulness. Ignoring this step can cause the gradual return of symptoms, while its correct stabilization ensures the durability of orthodontic treatment results.
To treat mouth breathing: what solutions are there?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause:
- Remove nasal obstruction: If there is a large tonsil or adenoid, the patient is referred to an ENT specialist. Treatment may include adenoidectomy or septoplasty.
- Decongestants and allergy medicines: are prescribed for chronic colds or allergies to facilitate breathing through the nose.
- Mortal strip or nasal strip: To encourage breathing through the nose and reduce snoring, they are used in short-term and special cases.
- Adjusting sleeping position: Sleeping on your side or using supportive pillows helps open the airway.
- Orthodontics and jaw expander: Especially for children, the use of Palatal Expander widens the upper jaw and facilitates nasal breathing. In adults, orthodontics or orthosurgery may be necessary.
If you are wondering which doctor to see for mouth breathing treatment? the answer is clear: effective treatment requires referral to an orthodontist familiar with airway, jaw growth and interdisciplinary treatments; An approach that is followed professionally in Isfahan at Dr. Shirban's clinic.
The effect of mouth breathing on the development of the face and teeth - a scientific perspective
"Chronic mouth breathing significantly affects facial growth and dental development and can lead to malocclusion, open bite and elongated facial pattern. These significant changes in the development of the child's face and skeletal structure indicate the importance of early diagnosis and combined treatment between orthodontics, functional treatments, and correction of underlying causes."
When mouth breathing is not just a habit; Today's decision makes tomorrow's face
Many patients come when they notice a change in the shape of the face, stretching of the face or receding of the chin, and this concern is normal. Mouth breathing often affects the appearance slowly and gradually, so that the person may not realize the main cause of these changes for a long time.
The important news is that in most cases, with timely diagnosis and basic treatment, the process of changes can be stopped and even in many patients, it can help to improve the facial shape and breathing function. The key to success is to accurately identify the cause of mouth breathing and choose the treatment path according to age, jaw structure and individual conditions.
At Dr. Farinaz Shirban Orthodontics Clinic in Isfahan, oral breathing treatment is not limited to one method, but is done with a scientific, team and personalized approach to maintain both respiratory health and facial beauty.
If you are concerned about the effect of mouth breathing on your appearance or the future of your child's face, now is the best time to act. An expert counseling session can help you understand the root cause of the problem and make sure what solution is best for you or your child.
