30/05/2026
Is your child breathing through their mouth?
It may seem like a harmless habit, but chronic mouth breathing can affect your child’s dental development, facial growth, sleep quality, and overall health.
Watch out for these signs:
• Lips frequently apart at rest
• Snoring or restless sleep
• Difficulty concentrating during the day
• Crowded or crooked teeth
• Tongue resting low in the mouth
What happens when a child breathes through their mouth?
• The mouth dries out, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• The tongue drops from its natural position against the palate, removing the support needed for proper upper jaw growth.
• The upper jaw may become narrow, leading to crowded teeth, crossbites, and orthodontic problems.
• Facial growth patterns can change over time. Research has shown that chronic mouth breathing may contribute to a longer, narrower face, a recessed chin, flatter cheekbones, and altered jaw development.
• Poor sleep quality may affect behaviour, attention, learning, growth, and overall well-being.
The good news? Early identification and intervention can make a significant difference in a child’s growth and development.
If your child regularly breathes through their mouth, snores, or sleeps with their lips apart, it is worth discussing with a pediatric dentist and your healthcare provider.
Sometimes the face tells a story long before the teeth do.
Dr. Qurat-ul-Ain Dar
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