Breathing is one of the body's primary functions, and physiologically it occurs through the nose, providing for the normal growth and development of the craniofacial complex. Mere mechanical obstruction of the airway is enough to cause an individual to begin mouth breathing in an effort to maintain vital functions. Mouth breathing syndrome occurs when a child replaces nasal breathing with mixed breathing.
Nasal breathing is extremely important and promotes proper craniofacial growth and development, interacting 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, in addition to participating in the sense of smell and sound resonance during vocalization.
When an individual breathes through the nose, the entire stomatognathic system functions normally. This means that the proprioceptions of the periodontal and dental membranes and the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) send messages to the Central Nervous System indicating that they are operating under normal conditions, with subatmospheric pressure from the internal environment, rather than atmospheric pressure, which is the correct state for the external environment. Working with subatmospheric pressure means that there is a lip seal, and this subatmospheric pressure is maintained with each swallow. During feeding, with each food item introduced into the oral cavity, the lips seal, and bilateral, synchronous, and harmonious mastication begins.
When we breathe through our mouths, postural problems begin to arise, in addition to facial issues, since the head is tilted forward to compensate for the restricted airflow and to allow air to pass through the pharynx. When mouth breathing becomes chronic, whether due to habit or nasal obstruction, many morphological changes occur that compromise the child's growth and development.
If you and your child suffer from mouth breathing, don't hesitate to make an appointment with us and we'll help you.
