Mouth breathing is often dismissed as a minor habit. However, growing research highlights that habitual mouth breathing can significantly impair health and development, particularly in children. Although breathing through the mouth may seem harmless, it can contribute to a range of long-term complications including orthodontic issues, disrupted sleep, altered facial structure, and even musculoskeletal imbalances.
Fortunately, Myofunctional Therapy (MFT) offers a non-invasive, highly effective solution to address the root causes of mouth breathing. By retraining oral and facial muscles, myofunctional therapy restores healthy breathing patterns, optimising long-term physical and cognitive development.
Why understanding mouth breathing matters
Breathing through the nose is essential for optimal health.
The nose acts as a natural filter, humidifying and purifying the air, enhancing oxygen uptake, and supporting correct facial and airway development. When children or adults habitually breathe through their mouths, these natural advantages are lost, leading to a cascade of health risks.
Mouth breathing typically results from physical obstructions, such as nasal congestion, enlarged tonsils, allergies, or persistent habits developed early in life.
Research by AlDomyati et al. (2023) identifies mouth breathing as a contributor to chronic conditions such as allergic rhinitis, enlarged palatine tonsils, and adenoid hypertrophy, demonstrating its wide systemic impact.
Moreover, Al-Awadi and Al-Casey (2013) found that mouth breathing is linked to deteriorating oral health outcomes, including increased rates of dental caries, plaque accumulation, gum inflammation, and changes in saliva composition.
Long-term consequences of habitual mouth breathing
The effects of chronic mouth breathing extend far beyond oral health.
Postural deviations, including forward head posture and rounded shoulders, have been documented in mouth-breathing children (Krakauer & Guilherme, 2000). These adaptations compromise muscular balance and respiratory efficiency, leading to chronic pain and reduced physical performance.
Adults who habitually mouth breathed during childhood often exhibit persistent postural issues into later life, particularly affecting the head, neck, and lumbar regions (Milanesi et al., 2011).
Additionally, chronic mouth breathing can significantly impact dentofacial development, leading to malocclusion, narrow palates, crowded teeth, and jaw misalignment, as discussed by Lin et al. (2022) and Hamudeng & Salsabila (2022).
Beyond physical effects, mouth breathing is also associated with cognitive and behavioural difficulties.
Studies have found deficits in working memory, reading comprehension, arithmetic skills, and increased symptoms resembling ADHD among mouth-breathing children (Kuroishi et al., 2014; Kalaskar et al., 2021).
Evaluating oral function and diagnosing mouth breathing
Early identification of mouth breathing is essential for successful intervention.
One clinical tool introduced by Zawawi et al. (2003) involves measuring maximum mouth opening (MMO) and comparing it against normative data using finger width.
This functional assessment provides a baseline for evaluating changes following myofunctional therapy.
Comprehensive assessments typically also include airway imaging, postural evaluations, and sleep pattern analysis.
The science behind myofunctional therapy
Myofunctional therapy retrains the muscles that control breathing, chewing, swallowing, and speech to promote correct nasal breathing and oral posture.
Studies by Lin et al. (2022) have demonstrated that myofunctional therapy can effectively address nasal obstruction, upper airway collapse, and pathological enlargement of adenoids and tonsils.
By enhancing muscle tone and coordination, therapy restores proper nasal airflow and optimises craniofacial growth.
Key components of myofunctional therapy
A structured myofunctional therapy programme typically incorporates several components:
Breathing exercises:
Exercises focus on establishing nasal breathing patterns by encouraging diaphragmatic breathing and strengthening nasal passage muscles.
Tongue posture correction:
The tongue is trained to rest against the palate, which helps widen the upper airway and supports natural jaw development.
Lip seal training:
Exercises strengthen the muscles around the mouth to encourage closed-lip resting posture, essential for maintaining nasal breathing at rest.
Swallowing rehabilitation:
Correct swallowing mechanics are restored, preventing harmful oral habits such as tongue thrusting, which can further compromise airway function.
Through regular practice, children and adults develop new neuromuscular patterns that support healthy breathing day and night.
Benefits and outcomes of myofunctional therapy
Implementing myofunctional therapy offers profound health benefits.
Research confirms that therapy reduces mouth breathing, improves oral hygiene outcomes, and supports optimal dentofacial growth (Al-Awadi & Al-Casey, 2013; Lin et al., 2022).
Additional benefits include:
- Enhanced sleep quality through better airway stability
- Improved concentration, memory, and emotional regulation
- Healthier posture and reduced musculoskeletal tension
- Prevention of orthodontic complications and dental decay
Correcting mouth breathing early promotes better physical, cognitive, and emotional health outcomes throughout life.
Practical advice for parents and adults
If you are a parent noticing signs such as habitual mouth breathing, snoring, restless sleep, chronic fatigue, or postural concerns in your child, it is crucial to seek early evaluation.
Similarly, adults experiencing persistent fatigue, sleep difficulties, posture issues, or dental problems may also benefit from intervention.
Addressing mouth breathing early prevents the progression of more severe health challenges and supports better lifelong outcomes.
Incorporating myofunctional therapy into daily life
A significant strength of myofunctional therapy is its accessibility and ease of integration into daily routines.
Exercises recommended by your therapist are typically short, targeted, and easy to perform at home.
Consistency, however, is key — regular practice over several months consolidates muscle changes and promotes lasting improvement.
Parents can support their child’s therapy by establishing simple daily practice schedules, while adults benefit from integrating exercises into morning or evening routines.
Take action today
Mouth breathing has a serious impact on health, sleep, posture, and cognitive development.
Fortunately, with professional assessment and a tailored myofunctional therapy plan, these impacts can be reversed or prevented.
✅ Contact Breathe First today for a full airway and functional assessment.
✅ Our specialist team is ready to help you or your child breathe, sleep, and thrive better — starting now.
➡️ Related articles:
- The hidden dangers of mouth breathing in children: Early signs every parent should know
- Myofunctional therapy exercises you can start at home
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re exploring whether myofunctional therapy could help with mouth breathing, here are some of the most common questions answered.
What is myofunctional therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a specialised exercise-based therapy that strengthens the muscles of the mouth, face, and airway to correct breathing patterns, swallowing function, and oral posture.
Can myofunctional therapy really fix mouth breathing?
Yes. Through consistent training of oral and facial muscles, myofunctional therapy restores nasal breathing as the default pattern, improving sleep, posture, and overall health.
How long does myofunctional therapy take to show results?
While individual cases vary, many patients notice improvements in nasal breathing, posture, and sleep quality within three to six months of regular practice.
Is myofunctional therapy only for children?
No. Although early intervention is ideal, adults can also benefit greatly from myofunctional therapy, particularly those experiencing chronic fatigue, sleep apnoea symptoms, dental issues, or postural problems.
When should I seek help for mouth breathing?
You should seek professional evaluation if you or your child exhibits signs of chronic mouth breathing, snoring, poor sleep, dental issues, or facial developmental concerns.
References
- AlDomyati et al. (2023). Journal of Healthcare Sciences.
- Al-Awadi, R. & Al-Casey, M. (2013). Journal of Baghdad College of Dentistry.
- Lin, L. et al. (2022). Frontiers in Public Health.
- Krakauer, L.H., & Guilherme, A. (2000). International Journal of Orofacial Myology.
- Milanesi, J.M. et al. (2011). International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology.
- Zawawi, K.H. et al. (2003). Journal of the Canadian Dental Association.
- Kuroishi, R. et al. (2014). São Paulo Medical Journal.
- Kalaskar, R. et al. (2021). International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry.
- Hamudeng, A. & Salsabila, A. (2022). Makassar Dental Journal.
