If left untreated, your or your child’s mouth breathing habit could cause a number of physical or medical problems. Chronic sleeping problems or abnormal facial and dental development are just a few of the issues related to this habit, but there are things you can do about it.
If allergies are causing your nasal passages to constrict or become clogged, you could develop a habit of mouth breathing. Seek out some of the very effective over-the-counter medications to treat allergies, even in children, and definitely talk to your doctor or pediatrician if the allergy symptoms aren’t controlled.
You could also be breathing through your mouth due to swollen tonsils or adenoids. Surgery may be the best option for this common problem, as it will allow the removal of the offending blockages. Ask us if you think you might need a referral for an ear-nose-throat (ENT) specialist.
Finally, mouth breathing can even be caused by just a habit. Bad breath, a dry mouth and trouble sleeping can all point to this habit. We can usually determine if your child is breathing mainly through his mouth by simple observation.
The short answer is that mouth breathing—and all its causes—are treatable. If you have any questions or concerns at all, this is a great time to schedule a checkup and exam with us. Call Livonia Family Dental today or use our handy online scheduling tool.
