Guidelines proposal for clinical recognition of mouth breathing children

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Mouth breathing (MB) is an etiological factor for sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) during childhood. The habit of breathing through the mouth may be perpetuated even after airway clearance. Both habit and obstruction may cause facial muscle imbalance and craniofacial changes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to propose and test guidelines for clinical recognition of MB and some predisposing factors for SDB in children. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 110 orthodontists regarding their procedures for clinical evaluation of MB and their knowledge about SDB during childhood. Thereafter, based on their answers, guidelines were developed and tested in 687 children aged between 6 and 12 years old and attending elementary schools. RESULTS: There was no standardization for clinical recognition of MB among orthodontists. The most common procedures performed were inefficient to recognize differences between MB by habit or obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: The guidelines proposed herein facilitate clinical recognition of MB, help clinicians to differentiate between habit and obstruction, suggest the most appropriate treatment for each case, and avoid maintenance of mouth breathing patterns during adulthood.

An objective assessment of halitosis in children with adenoid vegetation during pre- and post-operative period

“…The literature describes the prevalence of mouth breathing as ranging from 5% to 75% of children tested [20][21][22][23]. It is probable that the oral cavity is dry because the mouth M A N U S C R I P T…”

Unilateral Nasal Obstruction during Later Growth Periods Affects Craniofacial Muscles in Rats

“…Mouth breathing is a concern in various fields of medical care because it has several health repercussions (Pacheco et al, 2015). Changes in the breathing pattern can occur owing to obstruction in the nasopharyngeal region associated with conditions such as tonsillar and adenoidal hyperplasia, hypertrophied turbinates, and rhinitis, increasing nasal resistance to air passage (Marcus, 2000; Juliano et al, 2009; Pacheco et al, 2015).…”

“…Nasal obstruction can lead to an imbalance in the musculature of the face, affecting craniofacial morphology and function (Sousa et al, 2005; Juliano et al, 2009; Pacheco et al, 2015). A normal respiratory pattern is associated with normal craniofacial structures and adequate interaction between mastication and swallowing (Yamada et al, 1997).…”

The Role of Mouth Breathing on Dentition Development and Formation

“…Clinical and functional tests are made to diagnose the breathing pattern and to differentiate nasal breathing difficulties from the bad habit to stay and sleep with mouth open [42]. Following tests belong to the clinical methods: -Dental mirror is placed at rest in front of the patient's nostrils, the one nostril is closed, and the patient is asked to make several respiratory movements.…”