Does your child sleep with the mouth open, snore, or breathe through the mouth during the day? Mouth breathing is easy to overlook, but in growing children it can affect the shape of the jaws and how the adult teeth line up. This guide explains the signs, causes and what parents in Kepong can do.
Why nose breathing matters
When we breathe through the nose, the lips are closed and the tongue rests against the roof of the mouth. This tongue position helps support the width of the upper jaw as a child grows. When a child breathes through the mouth, the lips part and the tongue usually drops to the floor of the mouth, so this natural support is lost.
Signs your child may be a mouth breather
- Lips apart most of the time, including while watching TV or concentrating
- Sleeping with the mouth open, snoring or noisy breathing at night
- Dry lips, dry mouth or bad breath in the morning
- Waking up tired, or being restless during sleep
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Frequent blocked nose or allergies
- Crowded teeth or a narrow upper jaw
Common causes
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Allergies (allergic rhinitis), which are common in Malaysia’s humid climate
- Frequent colds or sinus problems
- A habit that continues even after the nose has cleared
- Low tongue posture or tongue thrust
How mouth breathing can affect teeth and jaws
Long-term mouth breathing in children has been linked to:
- a narrow, high upper jaw with less room for adult teeth
- crowded or crooked teeth
- upper front teeth that stick out, or a bite that does not fit well
- a longer, narrower face shape in some children
- a dry mouth, which raises the risk of gum inflammation and tooth decay
What can be done?
The first step is to find out why your child breathes through the mouth.
- Medical check. If the nose is often blocked, or your child snores loudly or seems to pause breathing at night, see a paediatrician or ENT doctor. Treating allergies, tonsils or adenoids comes first.
- Dental assessment. Your dentist checks jaw width, bite, tongue posture and habits.
- Myofunctional therapy. Exercises and soft appliances such as Myobrace aim to encourage lip closure, correct tongue posture and nasal breathing while the jaws are still growing. Read our guide to Myobrace in Kepong.
- Orthodontic treatment, such as expansion or braces, if needed later.
Simple things parents can try at home
- Notice when your child’s mouth is open and gently remind them: “lips together, breathe through your nose”.
- Keep the bedroom clean and dust-free, and wash bedding often if your child has allergies.
- Encourage nose blowing and keep the nose clear during colds.
- Do not tape your child’s mouth at night unless a doctor advises it.
Book an assessment in Kepong
Our Kepong-area clinics are open 7 days a week:
- Qualiteeth Kepong – 61, Jalan Seri Bintang 2, Taman Sri Bintang
- Qualiteeth Kepong Baru
- Qualiteeth Desa Aman Puri – 2-9A, Jalan Desa 1/3
- Qualiteeth Jinjang Selatan – No. 23, Jalan 8/32, Taman Jinjang Baru
Book an appointment and the branch will confirm your slot on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Is it bad if my child sleeps with the mouth open?
Occasional mouth breathing during a cold is normal. If it happens most nights, or your child snores, it is worth checking with a doctor and a dentist.
At what age should mouth breathing be checked?
As early as you notice it. Assessment between about 4 and 10 years old allows more time to work with jaw growth.
Can Myobrace stop mouth breathing?
Myobrace and exercises aim to train lip closure and nasal breathing. If the nose is blocked by tonsils, adenoids or allergies, these need medical treatment first.
This article gives general information and is not a diagnosis. If your child snores loudly or seems to stop breathing during sleep, please see a doctor.