Mouth Breathing and Speech Development

How Mouth Breathing Impacts Speech Development

Mouth breathing is when a person breathes through their mouth instead of their nose. For young children, this can lead to various issues, especially with speech development. Let’s explore how mouth breathing happens, its causes, and the ways it can impact children’s speech development.

Causes of Mouth Breathing

1. Nasal Congestion: A stuffy nose from colds, allergies, or sinus infections can cause a child to breathe through their mouth.
2. Enlarged Tonsils or Adenoids: Large tonsils or adenoids can block the airway, making it hard to breathe through the nose.
3. Structural Issues: Some children have a deviated septum or other nasal obstructions that make nasal breathing difficult.
4. Habits: Sometimes, mouth breathing can become a habit, even after the initial cause is resolved.

Effect of Mouth Breathing on Speech Development

• Weak Oral Muscles: Breathing through the mouth can lead to weaker muscles in the mouth and face. These muscles are essential for speaking clearly. Weak muscles can make it hard to form sounds correctly.
• Improper Tongue Placement: Mouth breathing often causes the tongue to rest in the wrong position. The tongue might lie low in the mouth instead of resting against the roof. This improper placement can affect how sounds are made.
• Speech Sound Errors: Children who mouth breathe may have trouble with specific speech sounds. They might struggle with sounds like “s,” “sh,” “ch,” and “r.” These errors can make their speech harder to understand.
• Nasal Voice: Chronic mouth breathing can give a child a nasal-sounding voice. This happens because the air doesn’t flow through the nasal passages properly, affecting the resonance of their voice.
• Delayed Speech Development: Some children who mouth breathe might develop speech skills more slowly. They might start talking later than their peers and have ongoing difficulties with speech clarity.

Other Issues Related to Mouth Breathing

• Dental Problems: Mouth breathing can lead to dental issues like misaligned teeth or a narrow jaw. These problems can further impact speech by making it harder to move the tongue and lips correctly.
• Sleep Issues: Mouth breathing can cause poor sleep quality. Children who don’t sleep well might be tired during the day, affecting their ability to focus and learn, including learning to speak clearly.
• Facial Structure Changes: Chronic mouth breathing can alter a child’s facial structure. This can lead to a longer face, narrow jaw, and other changes that affect speech and overall oral health.

Recognising Mouth Breathing

• Open Mouth: A child who mouth breathes often has their mouth open, even when resting.
• Dry Mouth: They might complain of a dry mouth, especially in the morning.
• Snoring or Noisy Breathing: Mouth breathing can cause snoring or noisy breathing during sleep.
• Frequent Infections: Children who mouth breathe may have frequent throat infections or bad breath.

Helping Children Who Mouth Breathe

• Medical Evaluation: If you suspect your child is a mouth breather, consult a doctor. They can check for underlying causes like enlarged tonsils or nasal obstructions.
• Allergy Management: If allergies cause nasal congestion, managing these allergies can help. This might include medications, avoiding allergens, or using air purifiers.
• Nasal Breathing Exercises: Teach your child to practice nasal breathing. Simple exercises can help them get used to breathing through their nose again.
• Speech Therapy: A speech therapist can work with your child to strengthen oral muscles and correct improper tongue placement. They can also help with specific speech sounds that your child finds challenging. Some children with speech errors also have language delay so it should be assessed.
• Orthodontic Treatment: In some cases, orthodontic treatment can help. This might include braces or other devices to correct dental issues that contribute to mouth breathing.
• Positive Reinforcement: Encourage your child to close their mouth and breathe through their nose. Praise and gentle reminders can help them develop this habit.

Activities to Encourage Nasal Breathing

• Blowing Bubbles: This fun activity encourages children to use their mouth muscles correctly and can promote nasal breathing.
• Nose Breathing Games: Make a game out of breathing through the nose. For example, see who can keep a feather in the air by blowing through their nose.
• Chewing Gum: Chewing gum strengthens the jaw and mouth muscles, which can help with nasal breathing.
• Reading Aloud: Encourage your child to read aloud. This can help them practice proper tongue placement and speech sounds.

Conclusion

Mouth breathing can significantly impact a child’s speech development. It can lead to weak oral muscles, improper tongue placement, speech sound errors, and even changes in facial structure. Recognising and addressing mouth breathing early can help mitigate these effects. Medical evaluations, speech therapy, and simple exercises can make a big difference. Encouraging nasal breathing and addressing any underlying causes will help your child develop clearer, more effective speech. By taking these steps, you support your child’s overall health and communication skills, setting them up for success in the future.

Meet Lara Who Was A Mouth Breather

Lara is 6 years old now. She started Speech Pathology with us at the age of 4 years because her mother was concerned about her unclear speech. Her Speech Pathologist took a history from Mum and did an assessment. This included a standardised speech assessment and an examination of her face and mouth. Lara’s speech pathologist spoke to Mum about the mouth breathing and how it impacted Lara’s speech. Lara was referred to an Ear Nose and Throat doctor. The ENT prescribed nasal sprays and eventually Lara had her tonsils removed. After the medical treatment was completed, Lara did Speech Pathology for 9 months. She now has clear speech and is not a mouth breather anymore. The fact that she is a nose breather now will have many positive outcomes for her in the long run.

We’re Here to Support You

At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to grow and thrive.

Our clinics are not just a space for therapy – they are places where children can discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential.

By combining innovative therapy techniques with a stimulating and supportive environment, we’re proud to offer a holistic approach to pediatric therapy and early intervention that addresses the unique needs of each child we support.

Reach Out for Support

If you’re concerned about your child’s speech development or want to learn more about how Speech Pathology can help your child, OneOnOne Children’s Therapy is here to help. All of our Speech Pathologists are members of Speech Pathology Australia.

Call us on (02) 80657837 or email us. You can book a free 30-minute phone call with us to discuss how we can support your child’s unique journey.

Visit us at our clinics in Bondi Junction and Mascot to get started on improving your child’s speech and overall well-being.

We are a dedicated team of Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Certified ESDM Therapists, and Feeding Therapists with two clinics across Sydney. Our highly trained professionals are committed to offering your child the best opportunities through expert, specialised therapy.