Mouth Breather Face: Top 10 Shocking Facts in 2024

Breathing: The Key to Your Face’s Shape

Mouth Breather Face is a condition that occurs when habitual mouth breathing alters the structure of the face. Below are the key impacts:

• Elongated face
• Rounder cheeks
• Receded chin
• Narrow jaw and palate

Understanding Mouth Breather Face is crucial because it can affect not just your appearance but also your health. This guide aims to break down the causes, effects, and solutions for this often-overlooked issue.

My name is Ben Trapskin, and I’ve spent years experiencing and studying sleep-related challenges, from mattress selection to breathing issues. I created Yawnder to help you find solutions for a better night’s sleep, including addressing conditions like Mouth Breather Face.

Mouth Breather Face glossary:

• Best Mouth Tape for Sleep
• Best Cpap Masks
• Best Pillow for Sleep Apnea

What is Mouth Breather Face?

Mouth Breather Face is a term that describes the changes in facial structure caused by habitual mouth breathing. When you breathe through your mouth instead of your nose, especially from a young age, it can lead to noticeable changes in the shape of your face.

Facial Structure

The facial structure of mouth breathers typically includes:

• Elongated face: The face appears longer due to the downward growth of the upper jaw.
• Rounder cheeks: The cheeks can become fuller and more rounded.
• Receded chin: The lower jaw does not grow forward fully, resulting in a chin that appears to be set back.
• Narrow jaw and palate: Without the upward and outward pressure from the tongue, the upper jaw narrows.

These changes are not just cosmetic. They can affect your overall health, making it harder to breathe properly and impacting your sleep quality.

Mouth Breathing vs. Nasal Breathing

Mouth breathing is when you inhale and exhale primarily through your mouth. This can be due to various reasons like nasal congestion, allergies, or anatomical issues like a deviated septum.

Nasal breathing, on the other hand, is the natural and preferred method of breathing. Your nose acts as a filter, warming and humidifying the air you breathe. It also promotes proper tongue posture, which helps in the forward growth of the jawbones.

Why Nasal Breathing is Better

Breathing through your nose has several benefits:

• Better air quality: The nose filters out dust and allergens.
• Improved oxygen intake: Nasal breathing allows for deeper chest expansion.
• Reduced inflammation: The air is humidified, reducing irritation in the airways.
• Facial development: Proper tongue posture helps in the forward growth of the jawbones.

Dr. Albert Silvera, a dental surgeon, explains that “when you breathe through your nose, your tongue naturally fills your palate space and exerts an upward and outward pressure. It promotes forward growth of the jawbones.”

In contrast, habitual mouth breathing can lead to a series of health concerns, including chronic fatigue, lung function issues, and digestive problems. It can also result in poor posture and muscle tension.

Understanding the differences between mouth and nasal breathing is crucial for recognizing the importance of addressing Mouth Breather Face. To learn more about the causes of mouth breathing, let’s move to the next section.

Causes of Mouth Breathing

Understanding the causes of mouth breathing is essential for addressing the issue effectively. Here are some common reasons why people may breathe through their mouth instead of their nose:

Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion is one of the most common causes of mouth breathing. When your nasal passages are blocked, it forces you to breathe through your mouth to get enough air. This congestion can be due to:

• Colds or flu: Temporary congestion from viral infections.
• Sinus infections: Inflammation and mucus buildup in the sinuses.
• Nasal polyps: Non-cancerous growths that obstruct airflow.

Enlarged Adenoids

Adenoids are tissue located behind the nasal cavity. When they become enlarged, they can block the nasal passages, making nasal breathing difficult. Enlarged adenoids are particularly common in children and can result from:

• Recurring infections: Frequent throat or ear infections.
• Allergies: Chronic allergic reactions can cause adenoids to swell.

Dr. Arash Moradzadeh notes, “Enlarged adenoids can significantly impact the way your facial structure grows, particularly if mouth breathing starts before puberty.”

Deviated Septum

A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall between your nasal passages is displaced to one side, making one nasal passage smaller. This can make nasal breathing difficult and lead to chronic mouth breathing. Causes of a deviated septum include:

• Congenital conditions: Some people are born with a deviated septum.
• Injury: Trauma to the nose can displace the septum.

Allergies

Allergies can cause chronic nasal congestion, making it difficult to breathe through the nose. Common allergens include:

• Pollen: Seasonal allergies can cause ongoing nasal congestion.
• Dust mites: These tiny creatures can cause year-round nasal issues.
• Pet dander: Allergies to animals can also lead to nasal congestion.

According to Dr. Albert Silvera, “Allergies can cause nasal congestion and inflammation, making it more difficult to breathe through the nose and increasing the likelihood of mouth breathing.”

Other Factors

Several other factors can contribute to mouth breathing, including:

• Chronic sinusitis: Long-term inflammation of the sinuses.
• Nasal tumors: Rare but can obstruct nasal passages.
• Poor nasal hygiene: Not maintaining clean nasal passages can lead to blockages.

Understanding these causes is the first step in addressing mouth breathing and preventing the development of Mouth Breather Face. Identifying the underlying issue can help guide the appropriate treatment options.

In the next section, we will dig into how mouth breathing affects facial development, leading to changes like an elongated face, rounder cheeks, and a receded chin.

How Mouth Breathing Affects Facial Development

Mouth breathing significantly impacts facial development, especially in children. When the mouth remains open for extended periods, it can lead to several distinct changes in facial structure, often referred to as Mouth Breather Face. Let’s explore these changes:

Elongated Face

One of the most noticeable effects of mouth breathing is an elongated face. When a child breathes through their mouth, the tongue drops to the floor of the mouth instead of resting on the roof. This lack of upward pressure allows the upper jaw to grow longer and narrower, resulting in a longer face shape.

Studies in the American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics found that mouth-breathing monkeys developed elongated faces, confirming the impact on facial growth.

Rounder Cheeks

Mouth breathing can also cause the cheeks to appear rounder. When the mouth is open, the muscles in the cheeks become taut. This tension can alter the natural shape of the face, giving the cheeks a puffier, rounder appearance.

Receded Chin

A receded chin, or retrognathia, is another common characteristic of Mouth Breather Face. The lower jaw tends to drop and move backward when the mouth is open for breathing. Over time, this can lead to a less prominent chin and a more convex facial profile.

Dr. Jennifer Wallace notes, “Mouth breathing can lead to a steeper mandibular plane angle and an increase in the gonial angle, making the chin appear less prominent.”

Narrow Face

A narrow face is often seen in individuals who breathe through their mouth. The tongue’s natural position should be on the roof of the mouth, exerting lateral pressure that helps widen the upper dental arch. Without this pressure, the dental arches can narrow, making the face appear thinner and more pinched.

In a study involving 119 teenagers, researchers found that mouth breathers were more likely to have a narrow facial structure compared to nasal breathers.

These facial changes can have long-term effects on overall health and well-being. In the next section, we will discuss the health consequences of mouth breathing, including sleep disorders, dental problems, and posture issues.

Health Consequences of Mouth Breathing

Mouth breathing doesn’t just alter your facial structure; it can lead to several health issues. Let’s explore some of the most significant consequences.

Sleep Disorders

Mouth breathing is closely linked to sleep disorders like sleep apnea and snoring. When you breathe through your mouth, your airway can become obstructed more easily, leading to disrupted sleep.

Dr. Albert Silvera explains, “Mouth breathing can constrict airway passages, affecting your sleep and increasing the risk of sleep disorders.”

Consequences:

• Poor sleep quality
• Daytime fatigue
• Increased risk of hypertension and depression

Dental Problems

Mouth breathing can wreak havoc on your dental health. When you breathe through your mouth, it dries out your saliva, which is crucial for neutralizing acids and washing away food particles.

Dr. Courtney Kahla, a wellness advocate, notes, “Mouth breathing can lead to cavities, gum disease, and even misaligned teeth.”

Consequences:

• Increased risk of cavities
• Gum disease
• Misaligned teeth

Posture Issues

Mouth breathers often develop poor posture. To facilitate easier breathing, they tend to push their head forward, which can lead to a “forward head posture.”

Dr. Arash Moradzadeh points out, “Mouth breathers are more likely to develop a forward tongue posture and jaw and neck posture, leading to a more curved back.”

Consequences:

• Muscle tension
• Head, neck, and back pain
• Headaches

Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue is another common issue among mouth breathers. Poor sleep quality and disrupted breathing patterns can leave you feeling exhausted throughout the day.

Consequences:

• Reduced productivity
• Increased irritability
• Difficulty concentrating

Mouth breathing can lead to a host of health issues that affect your quality of life. Identifying and addressing mouth breathing early can help mitigate these problems. In the next section, we will explore how to diagnose mouth breathing effectively.

How to Diagnose Mouth Breathing

Diagnosing mouth breathing is crucial for addressing its adverse effects on health and facial development. Here are the main steps involved in diagnosing mouth breathing:

Physical Examination

A thorough physical examination is the first step. Your healthcare provider will observe your breathing patterns and look for signs of mouth breathing. They will check for:

• Lip position at rest: Are your lips open or closed when you’re relaxed?
• Breathing method: Do you breathe through your mouth or nose?

Adenoids Check

Enlarged adenoids can block nasal passages, forcing you to breathe through your mouth. Your doctor may use a small mirror or a nasopharyngoscope to examine the adenoids.

Common indicators of enlarged adenoids:

• Snoring
• Frequent ear infections
• Difficulty breathing through the nose

Sleep Habits

Your sleep habits can provide valuable clues. Mouth breathers often experience disrupted sleep, snoring, and dry mouth upon waking. Keeping a sleep diary or undergoing a sleep study can help identify these patterns.

Questions to consider:

• Do you snore?
• Do you wake up frequently during the night?
• Do you feel tired during the day?

Diagnostic Tests

Several diagnostic tests can help confirm mouth breathing:

1. Water Test: Can you keep your mouth closed for at least three minutes with water in it? If not, you might be a mouth breather.
2. Altman’s Nasal Breath Mirror Test: A mirror placed below the nostrils can reveal nasal airflow. Instruct the patient to breathe normally; if the mirror shows minimal or no condensation, nasal breathing may be compromised.
3. Imaging Tests: X-rays or CT scans can help visualize the nasal passages and adenoids.

Case Study:
A 12-year-old named Alex had frequent colds and difficulty breathing through his nose. His doctor performed an Altman’s nasal breath mirror test and found minimal nasal airflow. A subsequent CT scan revealed enlarged adenoids, confirming the diagnosis of mouth breathing.

Diagnosing mouth breathing involves multiple steps, from physical examinations to diagnostic tests. Early diagnosis can help prevent long-term health consequences. Next, we will discuss the various treatment options available for mouth breathing.

Treatment Options for Mouth Breathing

Treating mouth breathing is key to improving both health and facial development. Here are some effective treatment options:

Surgery

Surgery is often considered when structural issues block nasal airflow. Here are common surgical procedures:

• Septoplasty: Corrects a deviated septum to improve nasal breathing. This procedure can greatly improve airflow through the nose.
• Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy: Removes enlarged tonsils and adenoids that obstruct nasal passages. This is especially common in children.
• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): Removes excess tissue in the throat, including the uvula, to widen the airway. This can reduce snoring and improve breathing.

Medication

Medications can help manage underlying conditions that cause mouth breathing:

• Decongestants: Reduce nasal congestion, making it easier to breathe through the nose.
• Antihistamines: Treat allergies that cause nasal blockage.
• Steroid Nasal Sprays: Reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, improving airflow.

Example: A child with chronic allergies might be prescribed antihistamines and a steroid nasal spray to reduce nasal obstruction and promote nasal breathing.

Orthodontic Expanders

Orthodontic expanders are devices that widen the upper jaw, creating more space for nasal breathing. They are especially effective in children and adolescents.

• Palatal Expanders: Widen the roof of the mouth, improving nasal airflow. This can also help align teeth properly.
• ALF (Advanced Lightwire Functional): A gentle, flexible wire appliance that helps widen the upper jaw and improve nasal breathing.

Case Study: Emily, a 10-year-old with a narrow palate, used a palatal expander. After six months, her nasal breathing improved, and her dental alignment benefited as well.

Nasal Turbinate Ablation

Nasal turbinate ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces the size of the turbinates (structures inside the nose that can swell and block airflow).

• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Uses radiofrequency energy to shrink turbinates, improving nasal airflow.
• Laser Ablation: Uses a laser to reduce the size of the turbinates.

Fact: According to the American Sinus Institute, nasal turbinate ablation can significantly improve nasal breathing and reduce snoring.

These treatment options can help address the root causes of mouth breathing and improve overall health. Early intervention is crucial for the best outcomes. Next, we’ll explore whether the changes caused by mouth breathing can be reversed.

Can Mouth Breather Face Be Reversed?

While it’s challenging to completely reverse the effects of Mouth Breather Face, several treatments can improve facial structure and overall health. Here’s how:

Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatments can help correct jaw alignment and dental issues caused by mouth breathing.

• Palatal Expanders: These devices widen the upper jaw, creating more space for nasal breathing. They are especially effective in children and adolescents. Example: Emily, a 10-year-old with a narrow palate, used a palatal expander. After six months, her nasal breathing improved, and her dental alignment benefited as well.
• Braces: Help align teeth and jaws, which can improve facial symmetry and function.

Surgery

Surgical options can correct structural issues that contribute to mouth breathing.

• Septoplasty: Corrects a deviated septum to improve nasal airflow. This can help shift breathing from the mouth to the nose.
• Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy: Removes enlarged tonsils and adenoids that obstruct nasal passages, particularly in children.

Case Study: Jake, a 12-year-old, had his enlarged adenoids removed, which significantly improved his nasal breathing and facial structure over time.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy, especially myofunctional therapy, can strengthen the muscles around the mouth and improve breathing habits.

• Myofunctional Therapy: Focuses on exercises that strengthen the tongue and facial muscles to promote nasal breathing. Quote: “Posture can be fully corrected, particularly if you work with a physical therapist,” says Dr. Moradzadeh.
• Breathing Exercises: Techniques to train individuals to breathe through their nose, improving oxygen flow and facial appearance.

Posture Correction

Improving posture can positively impact facial appearance.

• Physical Therapy: Helps strengthen the correct muscles to align the neck and upper back. This can make the chin more straightforward and improve neck positioning. Fact: Improved posture can change the appearance of your face since it affects the neck’s positioning.

Example: A 15-year-old who worked with a physical therapist noticed reduced dark circles and a more “awake” look after posture correction and consistent nose breathing.

These treatments can help mitigate the effects of Mouth Breather Face and improve overall health. Next, we’ll address some frequently asked questions about this condition.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mouth Breather Face

Can you fix a mouth breather face?

Yes, you can improve the appearance and health issues associated with Mouth Breather Face. Here are some effective methods:

• Orthodontic Expanders: These devices widen the upper jaw, creating more space for nasal breathing. They are especially effective in children and adolescents. For instance, Emily, a 10-year-old, saw significant improvements in her nasal breathing and dental alignment after using a palatal expander for six months.
• Nasal Turbinate Ablation: This surgical procedure reduces the size of the nasal turbinates to improve airflow through the nose. It’s often recommended for people with chronic nasal congestion.
• Myofunctional Therapy: Exercises that strengthen the tongue and facial muscles to promote nasal breathing can make a big difference. Dr. Moradzadeh emphasizes that “posture can be fully corrected, particularly if you work with a physical therapist.”

Does mouth breathing change face shape?

Absolutely. Chronic mouth breathing can lead to significant changes in facial structure. Here are some common changes:

• Lower Incisor Proclination: The lower front teeth may tilt forward due to the constant pressure from the tongue.
• Lip Incompetency: Difficulty keeping the lips closed at rest, often leading to a dry mouth and bad breath.
• Convex Facial Profile: A more pronounced curve in the face, with a receded chin and elongated midface.

These changes are not just aesthetic; they can also lead to health issues like sleep disorders and dental problems.

How long do you have to mouth breathe for it to affect your face?

Years of mouth breathing can lead to noticeable changes in facial structure and health. The exact time frame can vary, but the effects are often seen in children who develop this habit early.

Health Effects: Chronic mouth breathing can lead to sleep disorders, dental problems, and even poor posture. A study found that children who are mouth breathers are more likely to have elongated faces and narrower dental arches.

In summary, addressing mouth breathing early can prevent or mitigate these changes. Treatments like orthodontic expanders, nasal turbinate ablation, and myofunctional therapy can help significantly.

Conclusion

Addressing mouth breathing is crucial for overall health and well-being. Chronic mouth breathing can lead to a variety of issues, including Mouth Breather Face, sleep disorders, dental problems, and even posture issues.

Why It’s Important to Address Mouth Breathing

Ignoring mouth breathing can result in long-term health consequences. Children who mouth breathe often experience poor sleep quality, leading to daytime fatigue and difficulty concentrating. This can even result in a misdiagnosis of ADD or ADHD. Moreover, mouth breathing can cause facial structure changes, making it harder to breathe properly and exacerbating the problem.

How Yawnder Can Help

At Yawnder, we understand the importance of good sleep and proper breathing. Our range of products, including the best pillows for optimal sleep posture, can make a significant difference. Proper sleep posture can help alleviate some of the issues associated with mouth breathing, such as neck and shoulder pain.

Explore our range of pillows designed to support better sleep and overall health.

Final Thoughts

Mouth breathing is more than just a bad habit; it’s a health issue that can affect various aspects of life, from sleep quality to facial development. Early intervention and proper treatment can make a world of difference. Whether it’s through orthodontic expanders, nasal turbinate ablation, or myofunctional therapy, there are effective ways to address and correct mouth breathing.

Don’t wait to seek help. If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of mouth breathing, consult a healthcare provider to explore the best treatment options. Your health and well-being are worth it.