Only about half of the maxilla sits in the oral cavity; the other half forms the floor of the sinus. Airway and dental development are literally connected.
Definition
- Nasal breathing supports cleaner, conditioned airflow and nitric oxide production in the sinuses — advantages mouth breathing does not provide.
- When the tongue rests high in the palate, it acts like a natural expander for a wider, U-shaped dental arch. A low tongue rest position is associated with a high, narrow V-shaped arch and crowding.
- Chronic mouth breathing can lengthen the face, crowd teeth, and set up speech and airway challenges that reinforce each other.
- Orthodontics and myofunctional therapy often work best together: appliances and braces move teeth; rest posture helps keep the functional environment that supports stability.
When to use this guide
- Use this guide when comparing early orthodontic intervention with functional therapy for growing children.
- Use it when a dentist or orthodontist mentions narrow arches, open bite, or relapse risk tied to tongue posture or breathing.
Failure modes
- Expanding or aligning teeth without addressing mouth breathing and low tongue posture raises the chance of relapse.
- Waiting for "them to grow out of it" while growth windows close can make later correction more complex.
- Treating the mouth in isolation from ENT/allergy care when the nose is blocked.
Proof & sources
- Mouth Breathing brochure (© 2019): "Nasal breathing creates beautiful faces" — growth tied to breathing habits and rest posture.
- JAOS Winter 2015 (Angie Lehman with Lori Cockley, DDS): tongue on the palate as a natural orthodontic expander; tongue-tie as an overlooked barrier to retention.
- OMT of York collaborates with local dentists, orthodontists, and ENTs rather than working in a silo.
Breathing habits
There is a right and a wrong way to breathe — humans are designed to be nasal breathers.
Flip between modes to compare what the practice teaches about breathing habits and facial growth. Educational only — not a diagnosis.
Nasal breathing
- Filters, warms, and humidifies air before it reaches the lungs
- Supports nitric oxide (NO) produced in the paranasal sinuses
- Pairs with healthy Oral Rest Posture: lips together, tongue on the palate
- Supports healthier facial growth patterns and dental development
Action
Curious whether breathing habits are shaping growth? An evaluation looks at rest posture, airway signs, and how therapy fits your care team.
Common questions
What is the key takeaway from "Nasal Breathing and Facial Growth"? +
Nasal breathing supports cleaner, conditioned airflow and nitric oxide production in the sinuses — advantages mouth breathing does not provide.
When should someone act on this? +
Use this guide when comparing early orthodontic intervention with functional therapy for growing children.
What can go wrong if this is ignored? +
Expanding or aligning teeth without addressing mouth breathing and low tongue posture raises the chance of relapse.
Sources
- OMT of York brochure: Mouth Breathing (© 2019)
- JAOS Winter 2015: "The Ortho Missing Link" — Angie Lehman, RDH, COM with Lori Cockley, DDS, FAGD