How Mouth Breathing and Tongue Position Affect Your Child’s Bite
A healthy smile involves more than straight teeth. The way your child breathes and where their tongue naturally rests can play a meaningful role in how their jaw and bite develop over time.
At Kahan Orthodontics, we look beyond the surface to understand what may be contributing to orthodontic concerns. For families in Tarzana, Encino, and the surrounding San Fernando Valley, learning about these habits can be a helpful first step toward protecting long-term oral health.
Why Tongue Posture Matters for Jaw Development
The tongue is one of the strongest muscles in the mouth. In healthy development, the tongue typically rests gently against the roof of the mouth (the palate), with lips closed and breathing through the nose. This resting posture helps support balanced growth of the upper jaw.
How proper tongue posture supports a healthy arch
When the tongue rests in the correct position, it can help encourage the upper jaw to develop in a wider, more natural shape. This can support:
- Better arch development
- More room for incoming permanent teeth
- More stable bite relationships
What happens when the tongue rests low
If the tongue rests low on the floor of the mouth instead of against the palate, the upper jaw may not receive the same internal support. Over time, this can contribute to a narrower upper arch for some children.
A low tongue posture may be associated with factors such as:
- Mouth breathing
- Chronic nasal congestion
- A restricted tongue-tie (in some cases)
- Habitual open-mouth posture
Not every child with a low tongue posture will develop orthodontic problems, but it is an important sign to evaluate.
Tongue thrusting and bite changes
Tongue thrusting occurs when a child pushes their tongue forward against the front teeth during swallowing or speech. If this pattern continues over time, it may contribute to bite concerns such as:
- An open bite (where the front teeth do not touch)
- Protrusion of the front teeth
- Spacing between the upper or lower front teeth
Because tongue thrusting can become a long-term habit, early evaluation is often helpful.
How Mouth Breathing Can Influence the Bite and Facial Growth
Mouth breathing happens when a child breathes primarily through the mouth instead of the nose. This may be caused by airway restrictions such as:
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Chronic allergies
- Nasal congestion
- Deviated septum
- Ongoing sinus issues
Occasional mouth breathing during illness is common. The concern is when mouth breathing becomes a consistent pattern.
Narrow palate and arch development
When a child breathes through the mouth, the jaw may remain slightly open and the tongue may sit lower. This change in posture can reduce the tongue’s natural support against the palate, which may contribute to a narrower upper jaw in some cases.
Orthodontists often refer to this as palatal constriction or a narrow maxillary arch.
Facial growth patterns over time
Chronic mouth breathing may also influence facial development. Some children who consistently breathe through the mouth may develop a longer, more vertical facial growth pattern.
This does not happen in every case, and genetics play a major role, but it is one reason orthodontists pay attention to breathing habits during early screenings.
Bite concerns linked to mouth breathing
When jaw development is affected, bite issues may become more likely, including:
- Crossbite (upper teeth sitting inside the lower teeth)
- Open bite
- Crowding due to reduced space
- Asymmetrical jaw growth in some cases
These issues can vary widely in severity. The goal of early evaluation is to identify concerns early and monitor growth appropriately.
Why an Orthodontic Screening Around Age 7 Is So Important
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic screening by age seven. This timing allows orthodontists to evaluate jaw growth and tooth eruption patterns while the bones are still developing.
Early evaluation does not always mean early treatment
Many parents worry that an age-seven visit automatically leads to braces. In reality, early screening often results in one of two outcomes:
- Monitoring growth over time
- Recommending Phase I treatment only when clinically beneficial
When Phase I treatment may be considered
If a child has a narrow upper jaw, crossbite, or other growth-related concerns, early orthodontic treatment may be recommended. Depending on the case, this can include options such as palatal expansion or other interceptive strategies designed to guide growth.
Treatment timelines and outcomes vary by child, and early orthodontics is not necessary for every patient.
Addressing habits and airway concerns
If mouth breathing appears to be linked to airway issues, orthodontic care may involve coordinated support with other providers, such as:
- Pediatricians
- ENTs (ear, nose, and throat specialists)
- Allergists
- Myofunctional therapists
- Pediatric dentists
The goal is to support healthy nasal breathing and proper oral posture, which can contribute to more stable orthodontic results.
Signs Parents Can Watch For at Home
If you are unsure whether your child’s breathing or tongue posture may be affecting their bite, here are a few signs worth noting:
- Frequent open-mouth posture
- Snoring or noisy breathing at night
- Chronic congestion
- Dry lips or mouth in the morning
- Difficulty chewing with lips closed
- Speech concerns that persist beyond early childhood
- Front teeth that do not touch when biting down
- Crossbite or visible jaw shifting
These signs do not always indicate a serious problem, but they are helpful to mention during an orthodontic evaluation.
A Thoughtful, Whole-Child Approach at Kahan Orthodontics
At Kahan Orthodontics, we believe orthodontic care should be precise, personalized, and respectful of your family’s time. Our approach includes careful evaluation of bite development, jaw growth, and oral habits so we can recommend treatment only when it truly makes sense.
If you are ready for a professional opinion, we offer complimentary consultations and guidance for families throughout Tarzana, Encino, and nearby communities.
Schedule a consultation:
https://kahanorthodontics.com/survey-latest/
Learn what to expect during your first visit:
https://kahanorthodontics.com/new-patients/first-visit/
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute dental or clinical advice. Individual outcomes vary based on clinical evaluation and treatment planning.