Have you ever noticed your child sleeping with their mouth open, breathing loudly at night, or always seeming congested—even when they’re not sick? At Orchard Hills Pediatric Dentistry, we see this often among families in Richland, WA and the greater Tri-Cities area, and many parents are surprised to learn how much breathing patterns can affect a child’s overall health.
Mouth breathing in children is common—but it’s also something worth paying attention to. The way your child breathes can influence their sleep quality, behavior, oral health, and even how their face and teeth develop over time.
Let’s take a closer look at why mouth breathing happens, why it matters, and how myofunctional therapy in Richland, WA can help support healthier growth.
Why Do Children Breathe Through Their Mouths?
Ideally, children should breathe through their noses. Nasal breathing filters, warms, and humidifies the air before it reaches the lungs. When mouth breathing becomes the norm, it often means something is interfering with proper nasal breathing.
Common causes include:
- Chronic nasal congestion from allergies or frequent colds
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids that block the airway
- Low tongue posture (the tongue resting on the floor of the mouth instead of the roof)
- Habitual mouth breathing that began during illness
- Structural concerns such as a narrow palate
At Orchard Hills Pediatric Dentistry in Richland, WA, we often see that even when the original cause improves, the habit of mouth breathing can persist—especially without muscle retraining.
Why Mouth Breathing Matters More Than You Think
Occasional mouth breathing isn’t usually a concern. But chronic mouth breathing during childhood can have lasting effects, particularly during key growth years.
Children who consistently breathe through their mouths may experience:
- Poor sleep quality, snoring, or restless sleep
- Daytime fatigue, irritability, or difficulty focusing at school
- Increased risk of cavities and gum inflammation
- Speech or swallowing difficulties
- Crowded teeth or narrow dental arches
- Changes in facial development over time
Because children’s bodies are still growing, breathing patterns play a surprisingly important role—something our team at Orchard Hills Pediatric Dentistry proudly serving the Tri-Cities, WA pays close attention to during routine visits.
What Is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a gentle, exercise-based approach that retrains the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue to function properly. It’s often described as physical therapy for the mouth.
For families seeking myofunctional therapy in the Tri-Cities, WA, this therapy focuses on improving:
- Proper tongue resting posture (tongue resting on the roof of the mouth)
- Nasal breathing instead of mouth breathing
- Correct swallowing patterns
- Balanced muscle use of the lips, cheeks, and jaw
These small but powerful changes can support better breathing, sleep, and oral development.
How Myofunctional Therapy Helps Mouth Breathers
For children who mouth breathe, myofunctional therapy addresses the root cause, not just the symptoms.
At Orchard Hills Pediatric Dentistry in Richland, WA, myofunctional therapy may help:
- Strengthen and reposition the tongue
- Encourage lips to stay closed at rest
- Improve airway stability during sleep
- Support healthy jaw and facial growth
- Reinforce nasal breathing habits day and night
When needed, we collaborate with ENTs, orthodontists, and other healthcare providers throughout the Tri-Cities, WA to ensure comprehensive care.
When Should Parents Consider Myofunctional Therapy?
You may want to explore myofunctional therapy in Richland or the Tri-Cities, WA if your child:
- Breathes through their mouth most of the time
- Snores, grinds their teeth, or sleeps restlessly
- Has frequent cavities despite good oral hygiene
- Struggles with speech clarity or swallowing
- Has been told they have a narrow palate or crowded teeth
Early intervention can make a meaningful difference, and therapy is often most effective when started during childhood.
Supporting Healthy Breathing in the Tri-Cities, WA
Mouth breathing isn’t just a habit—it’s often a sign that your child’s airway and muscle patterns need support. The good news is that these patterns can be improved with the right care.
At Orchard Hills Pediatric Dentistry, we’re proud to offer guidance and support for families seeking myofunctional therapy in Richland, WA and the Tri-Cities area. Our goal is to look beyond teeth alone and help children breathe better, sleep better, and grow with healthier foundations.
If you’ve noticed signs of mouth breathing in your child, trusting your instincts is a great first step—and we’re here to help.
