Toddlers' breathing habits often give parents a clue to their overall health. Although mouth breathing could indicate a minor issue, it can also point to a more serious health problem, such as obstructive sleep apnea. Knowing the facts about mouth breathing in toddlers will help you recognize when your toddler's mouth breathing may be a sign of a more serious health issue that requires medical attention.
Identification
Toddler mouth breathing occurs when your toddler inhales and exhales through her mouth instead of through her nose. Generally, healthy toddlers breathe exclusively through their noses, except when they engage in strenuous physical activity, such as running or climbing. When active, a toddler may breathe through her mouth and nose simultaneously to bring more oxygen into her lungs. Causes of mouth breathing in toddlers vary, but may include allergies, upper airway constriction, nasal obstructions such as polyps, jaw malformations and swollen tonsils, notes Dr. Joseph Sarkissian, a dentist and member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology.
Effects
Occasional mouth breathing does not typically lead to long-term issues, but habitual mouth breathing in toddlers may lead to multiple health problems. According to Dr. Nicette Sergueef, author "Cranial Osteopathy for Infants, Children and Adolescents," mouth breathing can actually change the growth and structure of the jaw, potentially leading to jaw deformities. Toddlers' mouth breathing may also cause a dry mouth, bad breath, gum disease and dental problems.
Considerations
Try not to be alarmed if you notice your toddler breathing through his mouth. In many cases, mouth breathing arises as a result of a short-term illness, such as an upper respiratory infection or the flu. Your toddler's runny or congested nose simply makes it harder for him to breathe normally, so he begins to breathe through his mouth temporarily. You can lessen your toddler's nasal discomfort by easing the symptoms with home remedies, such as saline nose drops to thin the mucus secretions and using a humidifier to moisten the air, notes MayoClinic.com.
Warning
If your toddler breathes through her mouth on a regular basis, watch closely for other warning signs of obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, a serious sleep disorder that can cause long-term health problems if left untreated. Other symptoms may occur at night or during the day, depending upon the severity of your toddler's sleep apnea. According to Jodi Mindell, Ph.D., associate director of the Sleep Disorders Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and author of the book "Sleeping Through the Night," nighttime symptoms of OSA in toddlers and children include brief breathing pauses during sleep, snoring, coughing, restless sleep patterns and night terrors. Possible daytime sleep apnea symptoms may include excessive sleepiness or fussing, hyperactivity, mood swings and eating problems.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Consult with your toddler's pediatrician if you notice repeated instances or long-term mouth breathing, especially if you suspect your child may suffer from sleep apnea. Your child's pediatrician will conduct a physical examination and evaluate your toddler's mouth breathing. The doctor may recommend a specialist, such as an otolaryngologist or oral surgeon, for additional evaluation or testing. Depending upon the cause, there are various treatment options for mouth breathing in toddlers, including allergy medications and oral surgery.
References
- Sarkissiandds.com: Mouth Breathing
- "Cranial Osteopathy for Infants, Children and Adolescents"; Dr. Nicette Sergueef; 2007
- MayoClinic.com: Home Remedies for the Common Cold in Babies
- "Sleeping Through the Night"; Jodi Mindell; 2001
