How Chronic Mouth Breathing Affects Teeth Positioning

Chronic oral respiration can have a significant impact on tooth positioning, especially in children whose craniofacial development are still forming. When a person breathes through their mouth, the lingual muscle does not rest in its correct position against the palate. This lack of normal tongue pressure can lead to a underdeveloped upper arch and limited arch width for the teeth to erupt properly. Over time, this may result in dental crowding.

In addition, oral breathers often develop what is known as an vertical gap between incisors, where the maxillary and mandibular incisors do not occlude during closure. This happens because the tongue tends to rest between the teeth instead of on the maxillary arch, exerting constant pressure that distalizes anterior dentition. The mandible may also descend posteriorly instead of forward, contributing to a retrognathic mandible and an abnormal craniofacial morphology.

Persistent oral respiration is often linked to airway blockage caused by rhinitis, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or a nasal septal deviation. These root causes need to be treated to avoid long-term orthodontic complications. Early intervention by a dentist can help correct the alignment issues before they become irreversible. In many cases, resolving the underlying airway obstruction—such as performing adenotonsillectomy or administering antihistamines—can enable proper dental arch formation.

Braces or aligners only may not be enough if oral respiration persists. Without correcting the breathing pattern, teeth can shift back even after orthodontic appliances are taken off. Oral myofunctional training, which restores proper neuromuscular function, is often used in conjunction with braces to enhance treatment retention.

Guardians should watch for red flags for airway issues in developing individuals, such as snoring, chapped mouth, recurrent tonsillitis, or a mouth-open posture. Intervening promptly can prevent not only dental misalignment but also improve overall health and restorative rest. Optimal airway function is innate and promotes healthy craniofacial development, 墨田区 部分矯正 so fostering healthy airway habits is one of the foundational actions in ensuring long-term orthodontic stability.