Mouth breathing in children is often overlooked but can have significant impacts on their health. Early detection and intervention can prevent conditions such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and other long-term health issues. Myofunctional therapy, alongside possible interventions like a tongue-tie release, can provide comprehensive treatment. In this article, we’ll explore how early detection of mouth breathing can benefit children’s health and why finding an airway-focused dentist or orthodontist is crucial.
Myofunctional therapy is an exercise program that trains the muscles around the face, mouth, and tongue. These exercises aim to correct orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs), which are abnormal movement patterns of the face or mouth. Causes of OMDs include blocked nasal passages, improper tongue positioning, and prolonged habits like thumb-sucking or pacifier use.
The therapy focuses on:
Research shows myofunctional therapy is effective in treating sleep-disordered breathing, snoring, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It is a safe and cost-effective alternative to treatments like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or surgery.
Mouth breathing can lead to reduced oxygen levels, affecting a child’s brain development and cognitive function. This can contribute to symptoms of ADD, including difficulty concentrating, restlessness, and impulsivity. Early intervention with myofunctional therapy can improve breathing patterns, ensuring adequate oxygenation, supporting better brain function and proper jaw development.
A posterior tongue-tie, is a condition where the tongue’s range of motion is restricted due to an unusually short, thick, or tight band of tissue (lingual frenulum) tethering the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This can contribute to mouth breathing and OMDs.
Releasing a tongue-tie, often through a minor surgical procedure called frenectomy, can:
Combining a tongue-tie release with myofunctional therapy can optimize treatment outcomes, promoting proper tongue posture and function.
To ensure comprehensive care, seek an airway-focused dentist who understands the importance of early intervention for mouth breathing and related issues. Additionally, if orthodontic treatment is necessary, choose an orthodontist aware of myofunctional therapy’s role in achieving optimal results.
Early detection and intervention for mouth breathing can:
Catching mouth breathing in children early is crucial for preventing ADD, improper facial growth and future health issues. Myofunctional therapy, potentially combined with a tongue-tie release, offers an effective treatment pathway. Ensuring that your child receives care from professionals who understand the importance of airway health can make a significant difference in their long-term well-being.
