The Influence of Sucking Habits and Breathing Patterns
Dr. J is an orthodontist with a passion for creating smile transformations for all of his patients so they can experience the benefits of a happier and healthier smile. Our doctor had a vision that he wanted to create a practice that is a welcoming space for all potential patients and is staffed with a knowledgeable team... more
There is a range of physiological, pathological, and mechanical factors that can influence growth. Any sucking habit that is past 24 months is considered a prolonged sucking habit. The habit can be a thumb, digits, bottle feeding, or pacifiers. All of these take up space in the mouth and force the tongue down (more on this later). The direct relation between prolonged sucking and the development of a narrow and high vault palate is common. In addition, the sucking habit causes the upper jaw to come forward (wrong direction) and the lower jaw is blocked from growing forward (not good).
A narrowed upper jaw (maxilla) does not provide adequate space for the tongue during resting and function (swallowing). A narrowed upper jaw is also referred to as a constricted upper jaw. This is called a change in the morphology (size, shape, and structure) of the jaw. Mouth breathers have a characteristic narrow, v-shaped upper jaw with a high palatal vault. All of this forces the tongue to stay low on the floor of the mouth. This is called a low tongue posture or low tongue rest position.
So, the tongue with a low posture tends to block the back part of the mouth and tends to push the front part of the mouth. The back part is where the tonsils and adenoids live. The back part of the mouth is where the nose and mouth connect and this is one of the most important “intersections” of the airway. The front part is where the teeth and lips are. Any blocking of the back part of the mouth affects breathing. Any incomplete seal in the front of the mouth affects breathing.
If you have had a cold with a stuffy nose you immediately appreciate how important breathing from your nose is. So, if your tongue rests on the roof of the mouth – as it should – you can easily breathe through your nose. It has been shown that nose breathers are healthier than mouth breathers. Mouth breathers tend to have many more sleeping difficulties. It is very common that when someone lies down on their back the large low posture tongue falls back and blocks the airway. And a lack of proper sleep leads to behavioral problems (anxiety, depression) and a lack of proper growth. So instead of the jaw growing forward it rotates back and blocks the airway. The body will try to compensate by altering posture. Notice how mouth breathers tend to slouch forward. Mouth breathing affects the entire body ultimately.
When children start to lose their baby teeth around ages 6-7 it is important to see an orthodontist to tackle these problems. It is the optimal age to fix the issues that prevent nose breathing and bad bites (malocclusions).
Please find below a link to my website for further information on Early/Interceptive treatment.
https://stellarsmilesortho.com/orthodontics/early-treatment/
