Mouth breathing in babies: Is it normal?
Your sleeping baby is a beautiful sight, isn’t it? So sweet and peaceful. We all love looking at our sweet little angels while they’re asleep. You may have noticed that your little one frequently sleeps with their mouth open, and you may wonder why they’re sleeping with their mouth open and whether it’s normal for babies to sleep with their mouth open or to breathe through their mouth instead of their nose.
While occasional mouth breathing is common and not necessarily something to be worried about, persistent open-mouth breathing can indicate issues that might need attention. So, it’s important that you know what to look for and when and where to seek help when it’s necessary.
Nasal Obligate Breathers
Babies are considered nasal obligate breathers. This means that they mainly breathe through their noses rather than their mouths. This is because their nasal passages are designed to filter, humidify, and warm the air before it reaches the lungs.
Nasal breathing also helps in the production of nitric oxide, which has various benefits, including improving oxygen absorption and boosting the immune system.
For newborns and infants, nasal breathing is very important for breastfeeding. Since babies breathe through their noses, they can coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing more efficiently.
Why Babies Might Breathe Through Their Mouths
Several factors can cause a baby to breathe through their mouth.
Nasal congestion
One of the most common reasons for mouth breathing in babies is a stuffy nose. Nasal congestion, which is often caused by colds, allergies, or sinus infections, can block the nasal passages, making it difficult for the baby to breathe through their nose.
This can lead to open mouth breathing as the baby attempts to get enough air. This can cause frustration and difficulty with breastfeeding for the baby and even for the mother.
Deviated septum
A deviated septum, which is a misalignment of the nasal septum, can obstruct nasal airflow. This condition can be congenital or caused by injury, leading to chronic nasal congestion and prompting mouth breathing.
Tongue tie
Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where the frenulum (the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is unusually tight or short.
This can restrict the tongue’s movement and affect a baby’s ability to latch properly during breastfeeding, potentially leading to chronic mouth breathing.
Tongue ties can also affect dental formation and speech development as babies grow older.
Airway obstruction
Any obstruction in the upper airway, such as enlarged adenoids or tonsils, can make nasal breathing difficult and result in open-mouth breathing.
In some cases, a significant obstruction might also indicate obstructive sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder.
Dry air
Exposure to dry air, especially in climates where heating is used extensively during colder months, can dry out the nasal passages and make it difficult for babies to breathe through their noses. This might cause them to resort to mouth breathing.
Allergies and respiratory infections
Allergies and respiratory infections can lead to inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, causing nasal congestion and encourage mouth breathing.
Genetic disorders
Some genetic disorders can impact the structure of the nasal passages or the alignment of the teeth and jaw, contributing to mouth breathing. Conditions such as long face syndrome, where the facial bones grow abnormally long, can also be a factor.
Potential health implications of mouth breathing
While occasional mouth breathing is not uncommon and is usually not of concern, persistent open mouth breathing in babies can have several implications.
Dry mouth
Breathing through the mouth can cause the mouth to become dry, which may lead to discomfort and an increased risk of dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
Saliva helps maintain oral health by neutralizing acids and aiding digestion, so a dry mouth can compromise these functions.
Increased risk of respiratory infections
The nasal passages play a crucial role in filtering out dust, allergens, and pathogens. When babies breathe through their mouths, this protective mechanism is bypassed, potentially increasing the risk of respiratory infections.
Sleep disorders
Chronic mouth breathing can be a sign of sleep-disordered breathing, such as obstructive sleep apnea. This condition can lead to restless sleep, poor sleep quality, and other health problems such as high blood pressure and behavioral issues.
Impact on facial development
Over time, habitual mouth breathing can influence the development of a child’s facial structure. It may contribute to an open bite (where the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed) and other orthodontic issues.
Behavioral problems
Lack of quality sleep due to sleep disorders can lead to behavioral problems such as irritability, difficulty concentrating, and issues related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Understanding Tongue Tie
Tongue tie is a common condition in infants where the frenulum is unusually tight, restricting tongue movement. This can lead to a range of issues, including difficulty in breastfeeding and, potentially, mouth breathing.
The restricted tongue movement can affect the baby’s ability to latch properly, which can influence their overall nasal and oral health.
Symptoms and signs of tongue ties
- Poor weight gain
- Clicking during feedings
- Difficulty latching onto the breast
- Speech impediments as the child grows
- Slipping off the breast while breastfeeding
- Trouble moving the tongue to the roof of the mouth
- Difficulty sticking the tongue out or moving it from side to side
Treatment options for tongue ties
Frenotomy
This is a minor surgical procedure where the frenulum is clipped to release the tongue. It’s typically done in a healthcare provider’s office and can provide immediate relief.
Myofunctional therapy
This therapy involves exercises to improve tongue posture and function. It can be beneficial for older children and adults with tongue tie.
Breastfeeding support
Consulting with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can help address breastfeeding issues related to tongue tie and provide strategies and support to improve latch and feeding.
What to Do About Persistent Mouth Breathing
If you notice that your baby frequently sleeps with their mouth open, it’s essential to address the issue promptly to prevent potential health problems. Of course, the most important thing would be to determine what is causing the mouth breathing and then getting help or treatment for the specific cause of the mouth breathing.
Consult a healthcare provider
Consult with your baby’s pediatrician to discuss your concerns. The healthcare provider can help identify any underlying issues, such as nasal congestion or structural problems, and recommend appropriate treatments.
Use a cool mist humidifier
A cool mist humidifier can help keep the airways moist, reducing nasal congestion and making it easier for your baby to breathe through their nose.
Saline solutions
Using saline nasal sprays or a saline rinse can help clear nasal congestion and make nasal breathing more comfortable.
Nasal sprays
Over-the-counter nasal sprays may provide temporary relief from nasal congestion, but they should be used sparingly and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Home remedies
Home remedies such as a hot shower or a neti pot can help alleviate nasal congestion. However, always consult with a healthcare provider before using these methods.
Address allergies
If allergies are contributing to nasal congestion, identifying and managing allergens can help improve nasal breathing. This may involve using air purifiers, keeping the baby’s environment clean, and avoiding known allergens.
Orthodontic evaluation
For older children who exhibit persistent mouth breathing, an orthodontic evaluation might be necessary to address any structural issues affecting their bite and facial development.
Behavioral strategies
For children with sleep-disordered breathing or behavioral problems, working with a sleep specialist or behavioral therapist can help address underlying issues and improve sleep quality.
Important notes on mouth breathing in infants
Occasional mouth breathing is common and can be normal, it is usually not of too much concern. If your baby is breathing though their mouth on a regular basis, there may be cause for concern.
If you observe frequent or persistent mouth breathing in your baby, it’s best to seek support from a healthcare professional. If it presents with any breastfeeding related issues, make sure to consult with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) who can help assess, support and refer you to other healthcare professionals as needed.
