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Treatment for mouth breathing improves quality of life

A study has found that problems related to mouth breathing, including abnormal facial development, are not being picked up by health care professionals such as GPs. The study was published in the January/February 2010 issue of General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), based in the USA and Canada. It found that dentists were better able to detect and understand problems related to mouth breathing.

Anyone can experience problems relating to mouth breathing, including children. Problems might include abnormal facial and dental development, gum disease, crooked teeth, sleeping problems and trouble sleeping. Mouth breathing can also cause poor oxygen concentration in the bloodstream, which can cause high blood pressure, heart problems, sleep apnoea and other medical issues.

For some children, the sleeping problems associated with mouth breathing can have an adverse effect on growth and academic performance. Dr Yosh Jefferson, author of the study, said: "Children who mouth breathe typically do not sleep well, causing them to be tired during the day and possibly unable to concentrate on academics. If the child becomes frustrated in school, he or she may exhibit behavioural problems." In some cases, the problems associated with mouth breathing have been misdiagnosed as ADHD.

Dentists can check for symptoms of mouth breathing. For some children, swollen tonsils will be an issue and they may have to have their tonsils surgically removed by an ear, nose and throat specialist. Children may also need to use special dental appliances that widen the sinuses and open the airways of the nose.

"Seeking treatment for mouth breathing can significantly improve quality of life," said Leslie Grant, a spokesperson for the AGD. "After surgery or orthodontic intervention, many patients show improvement in behaviour, energy levels, academic performance, peer acceptance and growth."