Mouth Breathing in Children: Causes and Concerns

Slightly open mouth?

Dear Dr.
Hong,
I previously consulted you regarding my child's tongue issue, and I apologize for having more questions.
Does a slight protrusion of the tongue cause the mouth to be slightly open? Is there a correlation between the two? Could this be related to genetic disorders? What are the possible causes for this? Is it a symptom of any specific condition? My baby is over 8 months old and has not yet developed any teeth; is this normal? After experiencing roseola, it seems that my child's immunity has declined, as they frequently catch colds, often starting with tonsillitis.
Since I and my mother also experience colds beginning with tonsillitis, could this be hereditary? When I teach my child to recognize objects and then ask them, they will look but not point; is this normal?
I would appreciate any advice you can provide.
I apologize for the trouble.

Best regards,
Melody

melodi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2000/12/22

Dr. Hong Shaohui reply Pediatrics

When a baby sticks out their tongue, their mouth will naturally be slightly open.
If parents are very concerned, they can take the baby to a pediatrician for an examination.
It is somewhat slow for an 8-month-old baby not to have teeth yet; calcium supplementation (such as bone broth or fish soup) may be beneficial.
If the baby has not developed teeth by 10 months, a visit to a dentist is recommended.
After 6 months, the antibodies transferred from the mother begin to diminish, making the baby more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections, with roseola being one such infection.
Tonsillitis is also a common infection, so it is advisable to minimize contact with others to reduce the risk of infection (for example, adults with colds or tonsillitis should avoid holding the baby).
A child over 8 months old may not be able to grasp objects; general growth and development can be recorded in the parent’s section of the health insurance booklet.

Reply Date: 2000/12/22

More Info

Dear Melody,
Thank you for your thoughtful questions regarding your child's health, particularly concerning mouth breathing, tongue posture, and other related concerns. Let's break down your inquiries and provide a comprehensive understanding of these issues.

Mouth Breathing in Children
Mouth breathing in children can be caused by several factors, including nasal obstruction, allergies, or anatomical issues such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids. When a child breathes through their mouth, it can lead to various concerns, including dental problems, speech issues, and even changes in facial structure over time.
1. Causes of Mouth Breathing:
- Nasal Obstruction: Conditions like allergic rhinitis, sinus infections, or nasal polyps can block the nasal passages, forcing a child to breathe through their mouth.

- Enlarged Tonsils/Adenoids: Hypertrophy of these lymphatic tissues can obstruct airflow, particularly during sleep, leading to mouth breathing.

- Habitual Behavior: Sometimes, children develop a habit of mouth breathing, especially if they have experienced nasal congestion frequently.

2. Concerns Associated with Mouth Breathing:
- Dental Issues: Mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth, which increases the risk of cavities and gum disease. It can also affect the alignment of teeth and the development of the jaw.

- Speech Development: Children who breathe through their mouths may have difficulty with articulation and may develop speech delays.

- Sleep Quality: Mouth breathing can contribute to sleep apnea, which can affect a child's overall health, behavior, and cognitive function.

Tongue Posture and Its Relation to Mouth Breathing
Regarding your question about the tongue's position, a slightly protruding tongue can indeed lead to a mouth that remains partially open. This posture can be associated with mouth breathing, as the tongue's resting position is typically against the roof of the mouth when breathing through the nose. If the tongue is not in its proper position, it may contribute to a habit of mouth breathing.

Genetic Factors and Health Concerns
You mentioned concerns about hereditary factors, particularly regarding recurrent throat infections. While some children may inherit a predisposition to certain conditions, such as allergies or respiratory issues, it is essential to consider environmental factors as well. If you and your mother have a history of throat infections, it could suggest a familial tendency, but it is not a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

Developmental Milestones
As for your child's dental development, it is not uncommon for infants to take longer to develop teeth. The average age for the first tooth to erupt is around six months, but some children may not have their first tooth until after their first birthday. If your child is eight months old and has not yet developed teeth, it is generally not a cause for concern unless there are other developmental delays.

Recommendations
1. Consult a Specialist: If you suspect that your child has nasal obstruction or enlarged tonsils/adenoids, it may be beneficial to consult an ENT specialist. They can evaluate the situation and recommend appropriate interventions.

2. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any recurrent infections or symptoms your child experiences. If they frequently have throat infections, a pediatrician may suggest further evaluation or treatment options.

3. Encourage Proper Breathing: Encourage your child to breathe through their nose, especially during play or rest. This can help establish a healthier breathing pattern.

4. Developmental Support: If you have concerns about your child's developmental milestones, such as pointing or recognizing objects, consider discussing this with your pediatrician. They can provide guidance and resources to support your child's development.

In conclusion, while mouth breathing and related concerns can be alarming, understanding the underlying causes and seeking appropriate medical advice can help address these issues effectively. Please feel free to reach out if you have further questions or need additional support.

Wishing you and your child good health!
Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

Similar Q&A

Understanding Mouth Breathing in Children: Is a Deviated Septum the Cause?

I would like to ask about my child who always keeps their mouth open. I'm not sure if there is a problem with their nose, as the child says they cannot breathe unless their mouth is open. Could this be related to a deviated septum or similar issues?

Dr. Chen Jianzhi reply Otolaryngology
Dear Cherry: The child is keeping his mouth open, which may indicate nasal congestion, leading him to breathe through his mouth. The most common cause of nasal congestion in children is allergic rhinitis combined with adenoid hypertrophy, which obstructs the normal airflow in the...

Understanding Increased Deep Breathing in Children: A Pediatric Perspective

A 7-year-old child (entering second grade) is 120 cm tall and weighs 26 kg. Previously, the child would occasionally take deep breaths, but recently the frequency of deep breathing has increased. The child visited a nearby clinic and consulted a familiar physician, who performed ...

Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Dear Mrs. Cheng, Hello. Based on your description, it is very likely that your child has Tourette syndrome, which is one of the common ages for onset at 7 years old. Tourette syndrome was first described in 1885 by French physician Gilles de la Tourette. It is characterized by c...

Impact of Mouth Breathing in Toddlers: What Parents Should Know

My son (2 years and 3 months) often has his mouth slightly open. Will this have any effects?

Dr. Gu Qingxian reply Pediatrics
The mouth is slightly open due to nasal congestion, so it is necessary to examine the nasal cavity and oropharynx. Thank you.

Understanding Pediatric Breathing Issues: Nocturnal Sounds and Exercise-Induced Symptoms

A child experiences loud breathing sounds during sleep and occasionally has episodes of breathing cessation. During the day, when engaging in physical activity, the child also experiences significant shortness of breath and occasional mild chest pain. Please seek medical assistan...

Dr. Gu Qingxian reply Pediatrics
Hello, the symptoms you described may be related to lung disease or heart disease. Please come to our hospital for examination and treatment. Thank you!