Many significant growth and developmental milestones occur during our first 18 months of life. In fact, 60 percent of child’s facial development is completed by age 6, and 90 percent by age 12.

Proper breathing is necessary to our children’s health, development, and educational success. Early detection and correction of airway problems is essential in helping to correct any growth and development issues that may be present before they lead to any more serious comorbidities.

What can influence facial development?

• Functioning of muscles

• Proper nutrition

• Ability to breathe normally

Due to mouth breathing, the upper face doesn’t develop to its full potential, causing midface deficiency. As the tongue rests low in the mouth, it encourages the lower jaw to grow more vertically giving the child a longer face. As this happens it sets the child up for more breathing pattern disorders in the future.

When a person breathes through the mouth, it creates a domino effect throughout the orofacial system. The muscles in the cheeks tighten, applying additional force to both the upper and lower jaws. Exerted consistently over time in a child who is still growing and developing, these forces actually serve to narrow the dental arches and the facial structure itself.

This narrowing also can create a shortage of room in the mouth for the tongue. Rather than rest against the roof of the mouth as intended, the tongue often drops down into the floor of the mouth.

The poor position of the tongue has its own set of consequences. The upper arch can narrow even further, hindering the development of the mid-face. The tongue also could shift back into the airway during sleep, creating the type of obstruction that can precipitate the development of a sleep breathing disorder such as sleep apnea.