Can Orthodontics Help With Mouth Breathing

Mouth breathing is more than just an annoying habit—it can have serious effects on your oral health, facial development, and overall well-being. If you or your child frequently breathes through the mouth instead of the nose, you may be wondering: Can orthodontic treatment help?

The answer is yes! Orthodontics can play a significant role in correcting the underlying causes of mouth breathing, improving both airway function and dental health. In this blog, we’ll explore the connection between mouth breathing and orthodontics, the potential health risks, and the treatments that can help you breathe easier.

What Causes Mouth Breathing?

Mouth breathing occurs when a person consistently breathes through their mouth instead of their nose. This can happen for several reasons, including:

• Nasal congestion — Chronic allergies, sinus infections, or a deviated septum can make nasal breathing difficult.
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids — These can obstruct the airway, forcing a person to breathe through their mouth.
• Narrow palate (high-arched roof of the mouth) — A small upper jaw can reduce nasal airflow and lead to mouth breathing.
• Jaw misalignment — An improper bite (malocclusion) can cause the lower jaw to rest in a way that encourages mouth breathing.
• Sleep apnea or airway obstructions — Blocked airways can make it harder to breathe through the nose at night.

For many children and adults, orthodontic treatment can help address these issues, improving both nasal airflow and overall breathing patterns.

Why Is Mouth Breathing a Problem?

Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose may seem harmless, but over time, it can lead to serious health concerns that affect both children and adults. The nose is designed to filter, warm, and humidify the air we breathe, whereas mouth breathing bypasses these natural defenses, leading to various complications.

Here are some of the major health risks associated with chronic mouth breathing:

Dry Mouth and Bad Breath

When you breathe through your mouth, your saliva production decreases. Saliva is essential for washing away bacteria and neutralizing acids in the mouth. Without enough saliva, bacteria can thrive, leading to:

• Chronic bad breath (halitosis)
• Higher risk of cavities and tooth decay
• Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)

Poor Facial Development in Children

In growing children, persistent mouth breathing can alter the development of the face and jaw, leading to:

• A narrow upper jaw and high-arched palate, which can crowd the teeth and make nasal breathing even harder.
• An elongated facial structure, often called "long face syndrome," which affects overall facial aesthetics.
• A recessed chin and weak jawline, which can impact bite alignment and lead to jaw pain.

Since facial bones develop based on how we breathe, addressing mouth breathing early can prevent lifelong structural changes.

Increased Risk of Orthodontic Problems

Mouth breathing is strongly linked to bite issues and misaligned teeth. The tongue plays a crucial role in shaping the upper jaw by resting against the roof of the mouth. However, in mouth breathers, the tongue often rests lower, leading to:

• Narrow palates and crowded teeth
• Overbites, underbites, and crossbites
• Speech problems due to improper tongue posture

Orthodontic treatments like MARPE, braces, and myofunctional therapy can help correct these issues while encouraging proper breathing habits.

Sleep Disturbances and Fatigue

Mouth breathing can lead to poor sleep quality due to disrupted oxygen flow. Many habitual mouth breathers experience:

• Snoring and restless sleep
• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where breathing stops momentarily during sleep
• Daytime fatigue and difficulty concentrating

In children, sleep-related breathing problems caused by mouth breathing can even contribute to behavioral issues, ADHD-like symptoms, and difficulty focusing in school.

Posture Issues and Jaw Pain

Constant mouth breathing often leads to postural imbalances. Since mouth breathers tend to keep their head tilted forward to open the airway, this can cause:

• Neck and shoulder tension
• Chronic headaches
• TMJ (jaw joint) discomfort

By treating the underlying causes of mouth breathing with orthodontic care, patients can experience better sleep, improved oral health, and a more balanced facial structure.

How Can Orthodontics Help With Mouth Breathing?

Orthodontic treatments can address the root causes of mouth breathing by improving jaw alignment, palate width, and airway function. Here are some of the most effective orthodontic solutions:

1. Palatal Expanders (MARPE) for Better Airway Function

One of the most common causes of mouth breathing is a narrow upper jaw, which can restrict airflow through the nose. MARPE (Minimally Invasive Rapid Palatal Expansion) is an advanced orthodontic treatment that widens the upper jaw, creating more space in the nasal airway.

• Ideal for older teens and adults whose jawbones have fused.
• Minimally invasive—uses mini-implants (TADs) instead of surgery.
• Can improve breathing and reduce sleep apnea symptoms.

By expanding the palate, MARPE can increase nasal airflow, making it easier to breathe through the nose naturally.

2. Braces or Invisalign for Proper Jaw Alignment

Mouth breathing is often linked to poor jaw positioning, which can prevent the lips from closing properly. Braces or Invisalign can help align the bite, ensuring that the teeth and jaws are in their ideal position for better nasal breathing.

• Helps correct overbites, underbites, and crossbites that contribute to mouth breathing.
• Encourages proper tongue posture, which supports nasal breathing.
• Can be combined with other airway-focused treatments for better results.

3. Myofunctional Therapy and Habit Correction

Some cases of mouth breathing are caused by poor oral habits or weak muscle function. Myofunctional therapy involves exercises that strengthen the tongue, lips, and facial muscles to encourage nasal breathing.

• Helps train the tongue to rest in the correct position.
• Improves lip seal, preventing the mouth from naturally falling open.
• Can be used alongside orthodontic treatment for long-term success.

When Should You See an Orthodontist for Mouth Breathing?

Mouth breathing is not just a minor inconvenience—it can signal underlying structural or functional issues that may affect your oral health, sleep quality, and overall well-being. If you or your child frequently breathes through the mouth, early intervention is key to preventing long-term complications.

Signs That Indicate Mouth Breathing May Be a Problem:

• Chronic dry mouth or bad breath — Mouth breathing reduces saliva production, leading to dryness that increases the risk of cavities, gum disease, and persistent bad breath.
• Snoring or restless sleep — If you or your child snores loudly, wakes up frequently, or experiences daytime fatigue, mouth breathing could be contributing to poor sleep quality or even mild sleep apnea.
• A high, narrow palate or crowded teeth — A small upper jaw can restrict nasal airflow and create space issues in the mouth, leading to misaligned teeth, bite problems, and even speech difficulties.
• Frequent allergies or nasal congestion — Chronic nasal congestion from allergies, sinus issues, or a deviated septum may force a person to breathe through their mouth. This can create a cycle of dependence on mouth breathing that persists even after the nasal issues resolve.
• An open-mouth posture during the day — If your lips rest apart when you're relaxed, it could indicate poor oral muscle function or a bite issue that makes it difficult to keep your mouth closed naturally.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Mouth breathing is more than just a habit—it can affect facial growth, dental health, and airway function over time. In children, untreated mouth breathing can lead to:

• Narrow facial development — A long, narrow face and a recessed chin are common in chronic mouth breathers.
• Speech problems — Poor tongue posture and improper oral muscle use can impact pronunciation and clarity.
• Increased risk of orthodontic issues — Mouth breathing is often linked to crowding, overbites, and crossbites.

For adults, long-term mouth breathing can contribute to gum disease, sleep disorders, and TMJ (jaw joint) pain. The sooner the issue is identified, the easier it is to correct with orthodontic treatment and habit modification.

Breathe Easier With Expert Orthodontic Care at Bergen Orthodontics

At Bergen Orthodontics, we specialize in orthodontic treatments that not only improve your smile but also enhance your overall health. Our team offers advanced solutions like MARPE, braces, and Invisalign to help correct the underlying causes of mouth breathing.

Why Choose Bergen Orthodontics?

• Expertise in airway-focused orthodontics – We understand how breathing and orthodontics are connected.
• Advanced technology – We use 3D imaging and digital scans for precise airway analysis and treatment planning.
• Personalized treatment plans – We customize solutions based on your unique needs.
• Compassionate, patient-centered care – Your comfort and health are our top priorities.

Schedule a free consultation today! Visit Bergen Orthodontics or call us to learn more about how orthodontic treatment can help you breathe, sleep, and feel better.