02/20/2025
The Impact of Mouth Breathing on the Orofacial System
Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose can trigger a cascade of structural and functional changes within the orofacial system. This phenomenon is particularly significant in children, as it can influence facial development, but it also has long-term implications for adults.
The Role of the Tongue in Orofacial Development
The tongue plays a crucial role in shaping the upper jaw (maxilla) and supporting proper airway function. Ideally, the tongue should rest against the roof of the mouth (palate), exerting gentle pressure that stimulates the maxilla’s outward growth. However, chronic mouth breathing can lead to poor tongue posture, which contributes to:
Narrowing of the upper dental arch
– Without proper tongue support, the maxilla can develop too narrowly, leading to issues such as crowded teeth, a high-arched palate, and even a recessed midface.
Airway obstruction during sleep
– When the tongue is positioned low in the mouth, especially during sleep, it can fall backward and partially block the airway. This increases the risk of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
Scientific Evidence and Studies
1. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry found that mouth breathing is strongly associated with maxillary constriction and altered craniofacial development in children.
2. Research in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics has shown that mouth breathers tend to develop elongated faces, narrower dental arches, and postural imbalances due to altered muscle function.
3. Studies on sleep apnea and airway health indicate that improper tongue posture and a narrow maxilla contribute to upper airway resistance, which can lead to obstructive sleep apnea.
Where Should Your Tongue Be?
Proper tongue posture is essential for maintaining optimal orofacial function and airway health. The correct position is:
- The tip of your tongue should rest on the roof of your mouth (palate), about 3–5 mm behind the upper front teeth (not touching them).
- The middle and back portion of the tongue should be in contact with the palate, creating a gentle suction.
- The tongue should not rest on the floor of the mouth or press against the teeth, as this can contribute to dental and airway issues.
Training proper tongue posture, often referred to as myofunctional therapy, has been shown to help improve breathing patterns, reduce snoring, and even alleviate mild cases of sleep apnea.
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References**
(1) Souki, B., et al. (2009). "The influence of mouth breathing on dentofacial development." *Brazilian Journal of Oral Sciences*.
(2) Guilleminault, C., et al. (2013). "The ongoing evolution of pediatric sleep-disordered breathing." *American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine*.
(3) Jefferson, Y. (2010). "Mouth breathing: Adverse effects on facial growth, health, academics, and behavior." *General Dentistry*.
(4) Harari, D., et al. (2010). "Mouth breathing: effect on facial skeletal development." *American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics*.
(5) Lee, S. I., et al. (2015). "Relationship between tongue posture and sleep-disordered breathing." *Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine*.
(6) Guimarães, K. C., et al. (2009). "Effects of oropharyngeal exercises on patients with moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome." *American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine*.
