Maxilo-facial and occlusal characteristic in mouth breathing children

Introduction: Breathing through the mouth and nose supplies oxygen to the lungs. Human beans breath through the nose, but they can be forced to breathe through the mouth because of different reasons. Nose breathing provides normal development of the maxillo-facial structures. Changing the pattern of breathing results in alteration of lower jaw, tongue and head positon. Aim: The aim of this study is to establish the role of mouth breathing in school-age children and the development of mallocclusion and skeletal growth pattern. Materials and methods: Diagnostic records were obtained from 74 children aged 7 to 17 years and also clinically evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups: the first group included 37 mouth breathing children (MB), and the second group - 37 nose breathing children (NB). Study cast analysis and cephalometric analysis were made of all patients. Results: A significant difference was established between mouth and nose breathing children with aid of the intermolar distance measurement method in the upper jaw. Intermolar distance is significantly lower than mean value for NB children. The MB children demonstrate retruded position of the mandible (SNB). No significant difference was found at the SNA angle degree between the both groups. MB children seem to have an increase anterior lower facial height. Conclusion: MB children demonstrate more severe compression of the upper jaw. There is more often a distal occlusion, narrower upper pharyngeal width, reduced nasopharyngeal space, and increased lower facial height.