Breathing well means, first of all, clean nose, airway patency, toned and closed lips, adequate respiratory performance, fewer infectious diseases, proper blood oxygenation andmore efficient cardiovascular work.
A “mouth breather” uses mostly their mouth to breathe. It is often an underestimated problem, lips are often open and dry. Facial muscles are hypotonic (low in muscle tone). Sometimes, in addition to the normal breathing effort, one notices flat cheekbones and “dark circles” around the eyes.
“Mouth breathing” may be associated with sleep disorders, tonsil issues and / or adenoids, otitis, pharyngitis, a narrow palate, crowding and dental protrusion (overbite).
Breathing through the mouth can be temporary, or turn into a persistent flawed habit. The specialists one can contact for help are, primarily, the Otolaryngologist (ENT doctor) and the Orthodontist.
“Functional myotherapy” is a specific clinical procedure very useful for teaching children to breathe with their lips closed. Closed lips are an excellent orthodontic appliance
- Repeatedly telling children: “close your mouth!”…serves no purpose, indeed is often counterproductive.
- Observe your children during sleep and during the day, when they are absorbed. Are their lips closed?
- Keep their nose clean by washing nostrils with hypertonic solutions.
- Ensure children understand the importance of keeping their LIPS CLOSED, breathing through their nose: this reduces the risk of infectious diseases, it also helps towards having straighter teeth.
- Games and exercises that strengthens and tones the lip muscles.
Orthognathic (jaw correction) treatment is often crucial in rectifying certain breathing and sleep disorders.
