How Breathing Affects Facial Development
The way a person breaths can be a significant factor in the way they look, how healthy they are, and the quality of air they inhale. Specifically the difference between mouth breathing and nasal breathing. Preference for mouth breathing over nasal breathing is a sign of airway dysfunction. Lets investigate how breathing affects facial development.
Childhood Breathing Habits and Development
The mouth breathing versus nasal breathing dilemma is critical for everyone but especially in children. Because children are still growing and developing, poor habits that influence development get amplified during this time. For example, by age 2, half of the craniofacial development is completed, by age 4, three quarters and by age 12, 89% of the craniofacial development for boys and 94% for girls.
Effects Mouth Breathing Has on Facial Growth
The human airway is designed for nasal breathing. Mouth breathing can take over as a primary breathing method when an obstruction in the airway forces someone to breathe primarily through their mouth. Sometimes those obstructions are temporary (colds, flus, illnesses), but the effects can be lasting if the switch back to nasal breathing never happens.
Mouth breathing can result in faces that are:
- Longer
- Narrower
- Sunken in
- Less prominent in the jaw
- Retracted in the chin
This issue is expanded for young children because:
- The habit is harder to break
- Nasal structures do not develop the structural capacity for air intake
- Their head and face features are most susceptible to change
- Larger negative impact on the shape of the face
Nasal Breathing Advantages
What are the advantages to nasal breathing as opposed to mouth breathing?
- Reduces exposure to foreign substances such as allergens
- Filters, humidifies and warms inhaled air
- Increases airflow to arteries, veins, and nerves
- Increases oxygen uptake and circulation
- Slows down breathing which is conducive to calmness
- Improves lung volume
- Helps your diaphragm work properly
- Higher air quality
Related Airway Problems
Air quality doesn’t just affect the respiratory system, it also affects the cardiovascular system and people’s mental health. There are also other unforeseen consequences of picking up this habit, especially during childhood.
- Dental problems
- Mental disorders
- Sleep apnea
Airway Solutions in Lynnwood, WA
If you’re ready for better sleep at night, an improved appearance, and a healthier airway schedule a consultation with Dr. Buck by calling our office at 425-361-7499.
