Breathing in Children – Why Healthy Breathing Matters More Than You Think
Breathing is one of the most fundamental functions of the human body — and in children, it plays a crucial role in healthy growth and development. Yet breathing problems in children are often overlooked or dismissed as “normal,” even though they can place significant stress on the entire body.
Many children do not breathe optimally. Mouth breathing, snoring, restless sleep or frequent infections can all be signs of impaired nasal breathing. When breathing is not functioning properly, the body receives less oxygen, sleep quality decreases and normal development can be affected.
How breathing influences growth and health
Healthy nasal breathing supports:
- proper jaw and facial development
- balanced muscle function of the tongue, lips and face
- healthy posture of the head and spine
- restorative, deep sleep
- concentration, learning ability and emotional regulation
Chronic mouth breathing, on the other hand, can contribute to:
- narrow jaws and crowded teeth
- open bites or crossbites
- altered tongue position
- poor posture and muscle tension
- sleep disturbances and daytime fatigue
Breathing problems can begin early
Breathing disorders do not only affect adults. Even young children can experience airway restrictions or dysfunctional breathing patterns. Enlarged tonsils or adenoids, allergies, a short lingual frenulum (tongue tie) or improper tongue posture can interfere with normal nasal breathing.
If left untreated, these issues may influence facial growth, bite development and overall health well into adulthood.
A holistic approach to breathing in children
In holistic orthodontics, breathing is never viewed in isolation. We assess how breathing interacts with jaw development, tongue function, posture and the entire musculoskeletal system. Early identification allows us to guide growth gently and prevent more complex problems later in life.
Supporting healthy breathing in children is not only about straight teeth — it is about creating the foundation for long-term health, stable development and restorative sleep.
