9 Signs That Your Child Is Sleeping Or Breathing With An Open Mouth

  • 9 Signs That Your Child Is Sleeping Or Breathing With An Open Mouth | | TMJ, Tongue Tie & Sleep Institute – Tongue Tie Treatment in Mumbai, India | Myofunctional therapy | verified expert in Myofunctional therapy
9 Signs That Your Child Is Sleeping Or Breathing With An Open Mouth | | TMJ, Tongue Tie & Sleep Institute – Tongue Tie Treatment in Mumbai, India | Myofunctional therapy |
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Mouth breathing is a Sleep Breathing Disorder which can have serious effects on your child’s health. A healthy breathing pattern is inhaling and exhaling through the nose with a closed mouth always. Our nose is designed to warm and filter the air to remove any particulate matter. If the nose is not functioning, the normal balance between the nose and the oral cavity is disturbed Mouth Breathing in children is a lot more serious than we used to think.

HOW DO IDENTIFY IF YOUR CHILD IS MOUTH BREATHING?

Have ever noticed your child breathing with an open mouth? It may happen when eating, sleeping or watching TV. It’s common to think that your child will grow out of this habit but it is important for parents to look for signs of mouth breathing in your child as they may not be able to communicate their symptoms like adults.

DRY MOUTH AND LIPS

Mouth breathers always show signs of a dry mouth and dry cracked lips. Waking up to drink water is a give-away sign. It also increases the risk of cavities and inflamed gums.

2) BAD BREATH

A dry mouth increases the incidence of bad breath.

3) ASTHMA AND ALLERGIC COLD

Mouth breathing will increase the risk of frequent allergies and cold since we are not using the nose that acts as a natural filter for the air we breathe. Mouth breathing also decreases the oxygen concentration and lung function which exacerbates asthma.

4) JAW AND TEETH CHANGES

If your mouth is open the tongue rests in a forward and downward position. This causes a constant pressure on the jaws which affects the alignment of teeth and jaw development. The palate also becomes narrow and is quite high which gives an appearance of long narrow face with small receding chins. They have a very characteristic gummy smile.

5) INCORRECT SWALLOWING

To breathe better with this disturbed jaw development the tongue moves forward and develops what is called an abnormal ‘tongue thrust swallow’. Those with a tongue thrust may also sometimes have speech disorders. A persistent open mouth posture may also be associated with weakness and shortening of the lip muscles.

6) POSTURE CHANGES

In need to create an airway, the classical first aid measure is the head tilt. Generally such children will show a forward neck and shoulder posture to maximise air intake. This eventually affects the neck, shoulders, back and pelvis over time.

7) POOR SLEEP

Mouth breathing allows less oxygen to reach the brain and this in turn leads to sleep disorders. You will often notice children to feel sleepy through the day or fatigued or are less active or have a poor ability to concentrate. It’s a sign for you to visit an oral myofunctional therapist and a pediatric dentist.

8) BEHAVIOUR CHANGES

It is very important to understand the mouth-body connection. Oxygen deprivation due to mouth breathing can put your child at a risk of ADHD. Many children with hyperactivity and attention deficit are often misdiagnosed and may have a sleep breathing disorder.

9) TEETH GRINDING

Lack of oxygen to the brain leads to compromised breathing which signals the brain to move the jaw forward and the child grinds his/her teeth. It is a sign that your brain is trying to open the airway. Sleep is crucial for your child’s brain growth and the dental health is a great sign of this.

HOW TO TREAT MOUTH BREATHING?

The approach depends on the cause, of course. Possible treatments for mouth breathing can include oral myofunctional therapy i.e mouth and tongue exercises that can be practiced at home with some oral appliances to expand the upper jaw. If the mouth and tongue are not treated, you are likely to experience a relapse after braces.
If this sounds like your kid, it’s time to schedule a kids dentistry appointment who provide an oral myofunctional therapy. Most of us don’t realize that mouth breathing is a complex health concern that can lead to sleep disorders, poor facial growth and a compromised quality of life. Don’t forget losing function of an organ like a nose has consequences. Don’t leave mouth breathing untreated.
Yes, that’s right. We are actually born to breathe through our noses, not our mouths!
Please feel free to ask me any questions. Contact Us

Keywords : mouth breather, snoring, tongue thrust, OMT, sleep apnea, sleep disorders

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Comprehensive Care for Tongue Tie and TMJ Disorders

At our institute, we take pride in providing complete care for issues related to tongue tie and TMJ. To enhance your quality of life, we treat a range of ailments with state-of-the-art technology and expert care. If you’re searching for an effective tongue-tie operation option or a TMJ specialist in India, you have arrived at the right place.

Why Choose a Tongue Tie Operation?

A tongue tie operation or tongue tie surgery is a life-changing procedure that not only restores tongue mobility but also has a full body effect. While most people associate tongue tie with breastfeeding difficulties in infants, it can also affect speech, breathing, posture, dental health, and sleep patterns in older children and adults. By undergoing this minimally invasive fascia release procedure, patients often experience immediate improvements in functionality and overall well-being.

Benefits of a Tongue Tie Surgery

For individuals considering tongue tie surgery, the benefits are far-reaching:

  • Improved Speech Clarity : Eliminating the restriction improves the tongue's range of motion, which improves the articulation of words and sounds.
  • Better Oral Hygiene : Increased tongue movement makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene, which lowers the chance of dental issues.
  • Enhanced Eating and Swallowing : Adults and children with eating difficulties often find relief post-surgery.
  • Improved Sleep : In some cases, releasing a tongue tie can alleviate sleep apnea or other breathing-related issues.
  • Improvement in Breathing efficiency : Surgery can improve nasal breathing efficiency, helping individuals transition away from compensatory mouth breathing that often leads to health concerns like dry mouth or increased susceptibility to infections.
  • Better Posture : The tongue plays a role in stabilizing the head and neck. Releasing a tongue tie can alleviate strain on these areas, promoting better posture and reducing tension in the shoulders, neck, and jaw.

TMJ Specialist Mumbai: Advanced Care Tailored to Your Needs

The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) that is your Jaw Joint has a significant impact on one’s quality of life, as they leave the person feeling exhausted and irritable. It not only affects essential functions like chewing, speaking, yawning but also affects one’s posture, breathing and sleep. As a leading TMJ specialist in Mumbai, we offer comprehensive diagnostics and personalized treatment plans to address your unique needs.

Innovative Treatments by TMJ Specialists in India

Our approach to TMJ disorders combines state-of-the-art technology with evidence-based practices. We specialize in:
  • GNeuromuscular (GNM) Orthotic Therapy: Using advanced techniques like TENS & Jaw Tracking machines to achieve a balanced jaw and body alignment.
  • Non-Invasive Pain Management: Treatments such as laser therapy, myofunctional therapy, and physiotherapy.
  • Holistic Interventions: Integrating multidisciplinary care related to diet and mental health to treat the root cause of TMJ pain.

The Role of Tongue Tie in TMJ Disorders

Many patients are unaware that tongue tie and TMJ disorders can also be interconnected. A restricted tongue can lead to compensatory behaviors that strain the jaw, progressing towards TMJ issues.

Personalized Treatment for All Ages

Infants

For newborns, a tongue tie operation is critical in supporting breastfeeding. Infants struggling to latch or feed effectively benefit greatly from a quick and safe procedure.

Children

Tongue tie in children might affect their oral health and speech development. They can significantly enhance their quality of life with a tailored tongue tie surgery.

Adults

Adults often seek tongue tie operations for relief from symptoms such as speech impediments, TMJ pain, or even snoring. Combining tongue tie surgery with myofunctional therapy ensures optimal results.

Integrated Myofunctional Therapy

An integral part of our treatment protocols is myofunctional therapy. Exercises used in this therapy help to strengthen and coordinate the muscles of the tongue and face. Whether you’re undergoing a tongue tie operation or being treated for TMJ issues, myofunctional therapy plays a pivotal role in ensuring lasting outcomes.

Expertise and complete treatment are essential for treating TMJ issues or tongue tie. Whether you’re searching for the best tongue tie surgery options or a trusted TMJ specialist in Mumbai, we ensure personalized care and transformative results. Don’t let these conditions stop you—reach out to us today to book your consultation and start your journey toward better health and wellness.