O ther causes of reduced nasal respiration include asthmas, nasal polyps, foreign bodies, deviated nasal septa, unreduced fractures and congenital nasal deformities. T reatment of nasal airway obstruction and mouth breathing should involve a multidisciplined approach. The orthodontist is uniquely qualified to monitor the growing face and may often be in the middle of a referral pattern involving otolaryngologist, allergists, pediatricians and other health care professionals. D espite considerable interest in the problem among health care professionals, there is still no uniform opinion regarding the effects and treatment of a child with a mouth breathing habit. Mouth breathing can affect the entire system.
Mouth breathing can particularly affect the facial muscles and bones of a growing child.
These individuals may require jaw surgery later in life. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child's first visit to the family dentist at age two and an orthodontic examination at age seven. However, parents should be keenly aware that care of the developing face begins at birth, and any nasal airway problems should be addressed as soon as they are noticed. How your children breathe should not be taken for granted. This fine airway article was written by Dr. Stephen Sherman and originally appeared in the Parent's Journal.