Effects of mouth breathing on jaws of children & adolescents
Habit of mouth breathing alters the balance of muscles of orofacial region. This muscle imbalance, if not corrected, leads to changes in jaws.
- Smaller width of upper and lower jaws
- Inadequate space for tongue
- Altered structure of jaws
- Less forward growth of upper and lower jaw
- Backward and downward swing of lower jaw
- Restricted airway development
- Adverse effects on Temporomandibular joint
Changes in structure and growth of jaws is reflected on the facial features and arrangement of teeth. Mouth breathing habit should be stopped as soon as possible to prevent its deleterious effects on growth of jaws and faces.
