Reviewed by Dr. Chau McGovern
|
Reading Time: Three Minutes
Babies breathe through their noses from birth. Mouth breathing is not a typical stage of development, but it may occur when nasal breathing becomes difficult.
Table of Contents
When Do Babies Start Breathing out of Their Mouths?
Babies do not naturally begin breathing through their mouths at a specific age. However, they usually gain the ability to mouth breathe around 3 to 4 months of age.
Even after this stage, nose breathing continues to be the primary airway during infancy and early development. A baby usually only breathes through their mouth if their nasal passages are blocked.
Short-term mouth breathing can happen during a cold or temporary congestion. If it continues beyond that period, it may indicate an underlying issue that should be evaluated.
Why Babies May Start Mouth Breathing
Breathing through the mouth is usually a response to a restricted nasal passage. When the nose is not functioning efficiently, the body adapts by opening the mouth to maintain oxygen intake.
Common causes include:
- Nasal congestion from illness or mucus
- Allergies that make nasal breathing harder
- Deviated septum
- Sleep disorders like sleep apnea
- Enlarged tonsils
- Enlarged adenoids
Effects of Mouth Breathing on Teeth and Jaw Development
Breathing patterns influence how the mouth and jaw develop. When a child breathes through the nose, the tongue rests against the roof of the mouth. This position supports the normal growth of the upper jaw.
With ongoing mouth breathing:
- The tongue sits lower in the mouth
- The upper jaw may develop in a narrower shape
- Emerging teeth become crowded
- Bite alignment may shift
Mouth breathing can also reduce saliva flow, leading to a dry mouth. Saliva helps control bacteria, so reduced moisture may increase the risk of irritation or early dental concerns, such as cavities.
These changes tend to develop gradually and are more likely when it becomes a consistent pattern rather than a temporary response.
Evaluating Mouth Breathing and Oral Development
If you notice ongoing mouth breathing or changes in your child’s oral development, a pediatric dental assessment can help determine whether further assessment is needed.
At Akoya Pediatric Dentistry, our pediatric dentists, Dr. Joanna Theodorou, DMD, and Dr. Chau McGovern, DDS, carefully monitor how breathing patterns affect oral health. This includes evaluating jaw growth, tongue position, and early changes in tooth alignment.
Observing these patterns early allows for timely guidance and helps identify when additional evaluation may be appropriate.
Pediatric Dental Care in Southwest Ranches, FL
To book your baby’s first dental exam at our pediatric dental office in Southwest Ranches, FL, call (954) 799-6212 or visit us at 15761 Sheridan Street, Suite A, Southwest Ranches, FL.
FAQs
Can teething cause a baby to breathe through their mouth?
Teething itself does not directly cause mouth breathing. However, increased saliva, congestion or discomfort may change how a baby holds their mouth, which can sometimes be mistaken for mouth breathing.
How can I tell if my baby is breathing through their mouth at night?
Signs may include an open mouth during sleep, dry lips, noisy breathing, or snoring. Observing these patterns consistently over time is more helpful than a single occurrence.
Can mouth breathing affect a baby’s facial development?
Yes, long-term mouth breathing may influence how the face develops. When the mouth stays open, the tongue rests lower instead of against the roof of the mouth. Over time, this can affect jaw growth and facial structure.
