Mouthbreathing

Mouth breathing impacts everything - facial development, alignment, functioning and growth of the body. The dentist often diagnose such patients with anterior open bite, an over jet, a distal position of the lower jaw, a narrowing of the upper jaw and an increase in the height of the lower facial third.The early recognition of such facial patterns may be utilized to identify those breathing compromised individuals who are likely to develop such types of malocclusions.Oral habits are one of the most common problems faced by the paediatrician as it affects child's quality of life. Prevalence of oral habits suggests the importance of preventive care. Early recognition of habits can help to prevent malocclusion.Hence a joint effort by pedodontist, orthodontist, otorhinolaryngologist and the pediatrician is thus required for reducing continuing detrimental effects of breathing impairments on facial characteristics.