How Jaw Structure Can Affect Breathing and Sleep

Breathing patterns and jaw structure are closely connected. In both children and adults, a narrow upper jaw, low tongue posture, or imbalance in jaw position can contribute to mouth breathing, snoring, and disrupted sleep.

Individuals who breathe primarily through their mouth may experience dry mouth, increased risk of cavities, fatigue, poor sleep quality, or difficulty concentrating. In growing children, breathing patterns can influence facial development and long-term skeletal growth.

Nasal breathing supports healthy function by warming, humidifying, and filtering the air. When airflow is restricted, the body often compensates in ways that affect posture, sleep, and oral health.

Care may involve palatal expansion to widen the upper jaw and the floor of the nasal cavity, which can reduce airway resistance and support nasal breathing. Some patients also benefit from myofunctional therapy to improve tongue posture and muscle coordination. In more complex cases, care may be coordinated with ENT or sleep specialists.

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