Mouth Breathing in Adults and Children: Why It Matters
- Jennifer Evans DeJonge
- Feb 17
- 3 min read
Breathing through your mouth is very common in both kids and adults. But even though it is common, it is not normal or healthy for long periods of time.
Our bodies are designed to breathe through the nose, not the mouth.
At OMT of Oklahoma, we often help children and adults who feel tired, sleep poorly, or have jaw or dental problems that are connected to mouth breathing. Through myofunctional therapy, we help retrain healthy breathing and oral muscle habits.
What Is Mouth Breathing?
Mouth breathing happens when someone breathes mostly through their mouth instead of their nose, during the day or at night.
Sometimes this happens when you have a cold or allergies. But when mouth breathing happens all the time, it can cause problems with sleep, teeth, and growth.
Remember:
Mouth breathing is common, but not normal.
Why Is Nose Breathing Better?
Your nose does important jobs when you breathe. It:
Cleans the air you breathe
Warms and moistens the air
Helps your body get oxygen better
Helps your tongue stay in the right place
Supports healthy jaw and face growth
When someone breathes through their mouth, the body misses these benefits.
Signs of Mouth Breathing in Children
Parents may notice:
Sleeping with mouth open
Snoring or noisy sleep
Drooling at night
Dry or cracked lips
Dark circles under eyes
Trouble focusing
Crowded teeth
Frequent congestion
Because children are still growing, breathing habits can affect how their face and jaws develop.
Signs of Mouth Breathing in Adults
Adults may notice:
Snoring
Waking with dry mouth
Poor sleep
Feeling tired during the day
Jaw pain or tightness
Teeth grinding or clenching
Chronic stuffy nose
Many adults do not realize these problems can be connected to breathing.
How Mouth Breathing Changes Growth and Teeth
When the mouth stays open, the tongue usually rests low instead of on the roof of the mouth.
Over time, this can lead to:
Narrow jaws
Crowded teeth
Bite problems
Smaller airway space
Changes in facial growth
This can make future dental or breathing problems more likely.
Why Tongue Position Matters
The tongue should rest gently on the roof of the mouth.
When it sits low in the mouth:
The airway has less support
Teeth may shift
Swallowing patterns change
Jaw tension increases
Teaching proper tongue posture is an important part of myofunctional therapy. Proper tongue posture plays a major role in airway health, which we explain in our blog on correct tongue resting posture.
How Myofunctional Therapy Helps
Myofunctional therapy uses simple exercises to help the tongue, lips, and face muscles work correctly.
Therapy may help patients:
Keep lips closed at rest
Improve tongue posture
Learn nasal breathing
Improve swallowing patterns
Break mouth breathing habits
Many patients benefit from targeted mouth breathing therapy to retrain healthier habits.
The goal is to build healthy breathing habits that last.
Sometimes Other Issues Are Involved
Some people mouth breathe because of:
Large tonsils or adenoids
Allergies
Blocked nasal passages
Deviated septum
In these cases, we may work together with ENTs, dentists, orthodontists, or physicians.
When Should You Get an Evaluation?
Consider an evaluation if you or your child:
Sleep with the mouth open
Snore often
Wake with dry mouth
Feel tired even after sleep
Grind or clench teeth
Have crowded teeth
Have jaw discomfort
Getting help early can prevent bigger problems later.
Helping Families Breathe Better in Oklahoma City
At OMT of Oklahoma, we help children and adults improve breathing, sleep, and oral muscle function through personalized myofunctional therapy.
Better breathing can lead to better sleep, improved comfort, and healthier development.
Learn how OMT of Oklahoma supports healthier breathing and sleep for families across Oklahoma City.
Comments