Changes in Breathing Mode, Sensory Profile and Malocclusions in Infant Patients

Abstract

Respiratory problems have been a major challenge to global public health due to its high incidence and opportunity to impact the quality of life of affected individuals. Rising Earth surface temperatures, which often increase air pollution, bring the possibility of reduced lung function and the aggravation of breathing disorders. In addition, climate change leads to increased production of airborne allergens with increased asthmatic episodes, particularly among children and adolescents [1,2]. Regarding the influence of breathing on craniofacial morphology, there are several publications in the literature that have highlighted a relationship between nasal breathing mode and the normal pattern of craniofacial growth and development of teeth and occlusion. The researchers pointed out that, in the opposite condition, probable impairments would also occur in the body posture and in the sensory and cognitive performance of patients with mouth or oral breathing [3-5].Children chronically breathing through the mouth may develop speech disorders, inadequate body posture, changes in the respiratory system, deformities of the face, and poor positioning of the teeth, leading to structural changes in the face, including lips, tongue, palate, and jaw, which will adapt to new breathing pattern.With this there is a buccolingual imbalance and consequently in the facial muscles, generating an important functional deficiency [6].Despite evidence in the literature about the possible association between breathing mode and malocclusions, there is no further information on the frequency of respiratory problems among children attending dental school clinics, as well as the impact this condition in the oral processing of the individual concerned. The