If you’ve noticed your child sleeping with their mouth open or breathing through their mouth during the day, it’s reasonable to wonder whether it’s normal or a cause for concern. While mouth breathing in adults is usually harmless, chronic mouth breathing in children can influence their behavior and even the shape of their faces.
Understanding why it happens is the first step toward knowing when it’s a minor phase and when it may be worth addressing.
Why Do Children Mouth Breathe?
There are a few reasons children may mouth breathe:
- Congestion from allergies, colds, etc.
- Deviated septum
- Enlarged adenoids
- Nasal polyps
- Sleep apnea
- Habit
Addressing Mouth Breathing
How you address mouth breathing depends on the cause:
- Allergies or colds. When congestion from allergies or recurring colds makes nasal breathing difficult, treating the underlying issue often helps your child return to nasal breathing. Giving your child allergy or cold medication, running a humidifier in their room and encouraging them to drink plenty of water and Alpine Nutrition juices will help clear congestion and minimize their risk of mouth breathing.
- Structural concerns in the nose or airway. Conditions like enlarged adenoids or a deviated septum can block airflow through the nose. In these cases, an ENT specialist may recommend procedures such as adenoid removal or a septoplasty to improve nasal breathing.
- Nasal polyps. If nasal polyps are contributing to mouth breathing, we may recommend a procedure called a polypectomy to remove the growths and restore clearer airflow.
- Sleep apnea. If we suspect sleep apnea, a sleep study can help determine the type and severity of the condition. Based on the results, treatment may include a CPAP machine, lifestyle changes, medications, oral appliances or, in some cases, surgery.
- Habitual mouth breathing. In some children, mouth breathing becomes a habit even after the original cause has resolved. Gentle reminders to breathe through the nose during the day can help. You can try giving your child a lollipop or a piece of hard candy if they’re old enough. Sucking on the candy will encourage them to breathe through their nose. If the habit began after a cold or another temporary issue, it may fade on its own with time.
Catching mouth breathing early and managing it where possible is crucial in preventing behavioral or facial changes. If you’re unsure what’s behind your child’s mouth breathing, call us at Alpine Ear Nose & Throat PC to schedule a consultation.