04/11/2025
I want to share this great informative post to help parents understand how the relationship between a narrow palate and how your child breathes, affects how they grow and develop.
This is why at each dental visit, I measure the palate and ask how your child is sleeping and if they are mouth breathing! It affects so many aspects of their little lives. I truly want to help kids thrive not just survive! Enjoy learning from The Breathe Institute and consider following them on social media, Dr. Zaghi is a wealth of knowledge ❤️- Dr. Kim
The roof of the mouth, known as the palate, is directly connected to the nasal passages. When the palate is narrow, it can restrict airflow and create several issues. Here’s how it can impact breathing and health:
1. **Airflow Restriction**: A narrow palate can lead to a smaller nasal cavity, which makes it harder for air to flow freely in and out through the nose. This can result in nasal congestion and difficulty nasal breathing.
2. **Mouth Breathing**: If airflow through the nose is obstructed due to a narrow palate, children may resort to mouth breathing. This can lead to dry mouth, dental problems, and even affect speech development.
3. **Sleep Quality**: Poor airflow can also impact sleep. Children with a narrow palate may be more prone to sleep apnea or restless sleep, leading to fatigue and difficulties in concentration during the day.
4. **Facial Development**: Over time, a narrow palate can contribute to changes in facial structure, potentially leading to issues like malocclusion (misalignment of teeth) and other orthodontic concerns.
5. **Overall Health**: Since effective nasal breathing plays a crucial role in filtering, humidifying, and warming the air we breathe, any obstruction can affect overall respiratory health and well-being.
➡️ narrow palate -> low tongue posture
➡️ low tongue posture ->mouth breathing during critical growth periods -> maldevelopment of the jaw -> increase in the mandible plane angle (longer face), a higher palatal plane (affects upper airways), and narrowing of both upper and lower arches->malocclusion ->sleep disordered breathing
There are several influences which can affect facial growth and development.
One of the most common one in children is caused by a compromised airway - The inability to breathe properly through the nose.
Join Dr. Zaghi at our upcoming Breathe course on airway, sleep, breathing, health, growth & development in July! Register now www.breathecourses.com
