What affects facial development in kids?

Continually stuffy noses affect Face Development

Parents, does your child's nose always seem to be stopped up? Did you know that this could affect the way he or she looks, even as an adult? Have you seen children and adults with long faces? Not sad faces, but actual long faces? Have you noticed that they often have difficulty breathing through the nose? Often their mouth will be open slightly because it's easier for them to breathe that way.

There is a connection between mouth breathing and improper development of the bones of the face. So, does the breathing pattern cause the long face or does that long face cause the breathing problem? The answer is both. Actually, in this case, the continual breathing problem can in fact cause the bones of the face to grow differently. How does this occur? When a young child continually mouth breathes, the jaw rotates downward to open the mouth. Over the years, this causes the joint to actually grow differently, resulting in the jaw growing more downward and less forward.

Another results of the mouth being continually slightly open is that the tongue does not rest in the roof of the mouth. The tongue is a very powerful orthodontics and orthopedic force. Proper tongue position is necessary for proper teeth position and proper growth of the palate. Results are often a long, narrow palate with flared upper front teeth.

When the palate is narrow, the nasal passages also tend to be narrower and more easily clogged. Thus the "vicious cycle" is completed. Even as adults, these folks are more prone to constant blocked nasal passages due to their constricted size.

Now doesn't heredity provide the main input in the facial development? Yes, but it's not the only factor. If the child's genese say "short, round face" then no noticeable damage will likely be seen. If the child's genes already say "normal" or "long, narrow face" then mouth breathing may have a negative effect.

In summary, if your child is always stuffed up, talk to his or her physician. Don't worry about an occasional cold or sinus infection. The constant problems are usually allergy related. Reduce allergy producing things in the house (including smoking). See an allergy doctor if you need to, but try not to let the problems go untreated.

We are trained in orthodontics which can easily expand a growing child's palate and help redirect the direction of jaw growth. Once growth is complete, the surgery is usually needed to help correct the problems.

For more information or to find out if your child is a good candidate please give us a call at 936-539-3636.