Breathing is one of the main functions of the body, and occurs physiologically through the nose, providing normal growth and development of the craniofacial complex. Mere mechanical obstruction of the air passage is sufficient for the individual to initiate mouth breathing in an effort to maintain vital functions. Mouth breathing syndrome occurs when the child substitutes nasal breathing for mixed breathing.
Nasal breathing is extremely important and supports proper craniofacial growth and development, which interacts with other functions such as chewing and swallowing. Mouth breathing is a pathological condition that deprives the individual of all the advantages that nasal breathing can provide. The nose is responsible for filtering, warming and humidifying inhaled air even before it reaches the lungs, as well as participating in olfaction and sound resonance during vocal emission.
When the individual breathes through the nose, the whole stomatognathic system functions normally, i.e. the proprioceptions of the periodontal tooth membranes and the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) send messages to the Central Nervous System that are working under normal conditions, with subatmospheric pressure of the internal environment, instead of atmospheric pressure, which is the correct state for the external environment. Working with sub-atmospheric pressure means that there is a lip seal and that at each swallow this sub-atmospheric pressure will be maintained. At the moment of feeding, with each feed introduced into the oral cavity, the lips will be sealed and bilateral, synchronous and harmonious chewing will begin.
When we breathe through the mouth, postural problems begin to arise, in addition to facial problems, as the head is brought forward to compensate for the restriction of air and to allow air to pass through the pharynx. When mouth breathing becomes chronic, due to nasal vice or obstruction, many morphological alterations occur that compromise the growth and development of the child.
If you and your child suffer from mouth breathing, don't hesitate, make an appointment and we will help you.
