3 Major Ways Mouth Breathing Can Impact Facial Growth and Overall Appearance

There is a healthy way to breathe. Generally, a mouth breather is at increased risk of developing a range of serious and often debilitating complications, from gastrointestinal disorders like IBS to ADHD, hypertension, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, the structure or anatomy of the face can be affected by airway issues. The office of Mark A. Cruz, DDS, discusses some of the highly visible characteristics of patients from across the Dana Point, California area who breathe through their mouths instead of the healthy way (through the nose as nature intended).

No. 1: Overly narrow and long face

When mouth breathing is not corrected early on, it can result in vertical facial growth/development. As the face grows vertically, it can detract from a harmonious, balanced, and proportionate facial shape and profile. The face may look too long, especially when compared to the size of other features or its general width. The health consequences are also considerable; vertical growth can contribute to the development of a narrow or collapsed airway. Patients may experience sleep-disordered breathing and interruptions during sleep when the air can’t pass through an overly narrow airway.

No. 2: Receding jawline

An attractive jawline is generally well-defined and in balance with the upper portions of the face. Chronic and untreated mouth-breathing, however, can lead to underdeveloped facial muscles. Consider how nasal breathing is characterized by your tongue filling the roof of the mouth or palate space. This oral posture promotes upward and outward pressure and healthy, natural forward growth. But, with mouth breathing, the upward/outward/forward pressure and growth are lacking. Instead, the weight and force of the muscles cause drag. The top jaw is pulled downward, and the bottom jaw never has an opportunity to develop in a forward manner. The result is a small, lower jaw with narrow, V-shaped arches and a recessed chin. Due to persistent relaxation of the lower portion of the face, there may also be a lack of definition between the lower face/chin and the neck.

No. 3: Short upper lip, elevated nostrils, and more

The “mouth-breathing” face is sometimes referred to as “adenoid face.” This term refers to the adenoids, which are lymphatic tissues located high in the throat behind the nose and soft palate. Enlarged adenoids may be associated with the characteristic long, mouth-breathing face. The upper jaw and cheekbones may seem underdeveloped and ill-defined, similar to the lower jawline and chin. Other characteristics of an adenoid face include:

• A thin upper lip.
• Sunken eyes.
• Elevated and pinched nostrils.
• Exceedingly flat features.

There are also a host of hard-to-miss characteristics of the adenoid or mouth-breather face within the smile, ranging from an overly prominent gumline to protruding incisors or front teeth.

By intervening early and helping to guide proper development and growth, children can avoid the many and wide-ranging effects of mouth breathing on their overall appearance and day-to-day function and health. The office of Mark A. Cruz, DDS, encourages you to share your concerns with us. As airway-focused dentistry providers, our team in Dana Point, CA, is here to help. Call us at (949) 661-1006 to schedule your consultation.