Mouth Breathing Children Research Articles

The effect of adenotonsillectomy on the position of head, cervical and thoracic spine and scapular girdle of mouth breathing children

The clinical decision for surgical treatment of children diagnosed with mouth breathing depends on the percentage of mechanical obstruction correlated with exacerbation of upper respiratory tract infections and systemic changes. The benefits of adenotonsillectomy include changes in the nasopharyngeal space, the mandibular plane and myofunctional alterations. Post-adenotonsilectomy postural benefits have not yet been described. Objectives:To investigate the kinematics of the shoulder girdle, cervical and thoracic spine in children with mouth breathing before and after adenotonsillectomy. Methods: Forty-nine mouth breathing children (6.3 ± 1.8 years) of both sexes participated in the study. The measures of thoracic kyphosis, forward head position, shoulders protrusion and abduction, elevation, anterior tilt and internal rotation of the scapula were evaluated before and after surgery. The kinematic data were obtained using the system Qualysis ProReflex®.Results:There was a significant decrease in forward head position, shoulders protrusion, elevation and anterior tilt of the scapula after surgery compared to the pre-operative. Conclusion: One of adenotonsillectomy results is the improvement of the posture of the head and the shoulder girdle of mouth breathing children. Clinically these findings are important and will contribute to improving the quality of life of mouth breathing children.

Prevalence of upper respiratory tract infections in habitually snoring and mouth breathing children

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of upper respiratory tract infections (URI) – as indicated by rhinosinusitis (RS), ear infections (EI), and antibiotic consumption – in a general pediatric population and evaluate the relationship between these conditions and habitual snoring and mouth breathing during sleep. MethodsA population-based cross-sectional study was performed in three medium-sized Polish cities from 2011 to 2015. Results4837/6963 questionnaires (69.5%) were completed, returned and analyzed. Mean age of studied group was 7.07 ± 0.72 and 7.14 ± 0.73 in girls and boys, respectively. Habitual mouth breathing during sleep (MB) was reported in 907 (18.7%) children and habitual snoring (HS) in 290 (6.0%). 230/290 (79.3%) of children with HS were also MB. Both HS and MB were more prevalent in boys than in girls (p = 0.027 and p < 0.0001, respectively) and neither was associated with BMI (p = 0.11 and p = 0.07, respectively).Habitual snoring and habitual mouth breathing were highly associated with more frequent bouts of rhinosinusitis, ear infections, and antibiotic use (p < 0.0001 for each parameter). ConclusionsHigher rates of rhinosinusitis, ear infections, and antibiotic consumption were similarly associated with HS and MB. MB is over three times more prevalent in the pediatric population relative to HS, therefore it might be considered as a risk factor for URI and may be included in history of URI.

Relationship between Asthma, Malocclusion and Mouth Breathing in Primary Health Care Children

Objective: To assess the relationship between asthma, malocclusion and mouth breathing. Material and Methods: This investigation was a cross-sectional study of 228 children between 6 and 12 years of age, of whom 112 were asthmatic and 116 were not, performed in two Primary Health Units of Porto Alegre, Brazil. The assessment consisted of a mouth exam performed by two calibrated dentists, an interview with parents/caregivers and medical chart data. Mouth breathing was determined through oral-facial changes related to Mouth Breathing Syndrome. Occlusion was assessed according to Angle’s Classification for permanent or mixed teeth and regarding primary teeth were based on the canine relationships. The data were assessed by the Chi-square test and Poisson regression, with robust variation, at a p<0.05 significant level. Results: Asthma [PR = 2.12 (95% CI: 1.46-3.08), p<0.001] and the use of pacifiers [PR = 1.98 (95% CI: 1.27-3.07), p<0.001] were associated with mouth breathing, in the final multivariate model. Age [PR = 1.02 (95% CI: 1.00-1.03), p=0.039] and thumb sucking [PR = 1.08 (95% CI: 1.03-1.13), p=0.001] were associated with malocclusion in the final multivariate model, while there was no relationship between asthma and malocclusion (PR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.94-1.07). Conclusion: This study provides evidence of the relationship between asthma and mouth breathing in children, demonstrating that knowledge regarding the oral health of populations with chronic diseases is fundamental for developing health programmes suitable to their needs and risks.

Survey Regarding Effects of Mouth Breathing in Children on Sleep and Daytime Activities

Survey Regarding Effects of Mouth Breathing in Children on Sleep and Daytime Activities

Prevalence of upper respiratory tract infections in habitually snoring and mouth breathing children

Prevalence of upper respiratory tract infections in habitually snoring and mouth breathing children

Perfil orofacial de crianças respiradoras orais pré adenoidectomia e/ou amidalectomia

As obstruções das vias aéreas superiores, como tonsilas hipertrofiadas, são causas da respiração oral. Objetivo: traçar o perfil miofuncional orofacial de crianças respiradoras orais pré-adenoidectomia e/ou amidalectomia. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo de caráter quantitativo de levantamento de dados. As avaliações de motricidade orofacial basearam-se no protocolo MBGR. Resultados: foram avaliadas 32 crianças, com média de idade de 8,9 anos. Destas, 34,4% eram do sexo feminino e 65,6%, do sexo masculino; prevaleceram o aleitamento natural e o hábito oral. As principais queixas foram de respiração oral e ronco. A maioria foi encaminhada para a realização de adenoamigdalectomia. A postura corporal esteve normal. Prevaleceram lábios entreabertos e língua no assoalho bucal, má oclusão Classe II de Angle, presença de tonsilas hipertrofiadas. O ronco foi descrito em 100% da amostra. A deglutição atípica prevaleceu em 77,4%. A articulação apresentou-se predominantemente normal, as alterações articulatórias presentes foram observadas no sexo masculino. A postura de lábios entreabertos apresentou relação com a deglutição atípica. Conclusão: os dados levantados não diferem da literatura com relação à respiração oral obstrutiva. Abre-se espaço para pesquisas que abranjam o pré e pós-operatório, e que propiciem um acompanhamento longitudinal das crianças.

Changes in the palatal dimensions of mouth breathing children caused by nasal obstruction

During children’s growth and development, the breathing process plays an important role in craniofacial growth, especially of the palate. Nose breathing can stimulate the lateral growth of the maxilla, thus making the palate flat. Disturbances in nose breathing caused by nasal obstruction such as allergic rhinitis, adenoid hypertrophy, rhinosinusitis, nasal polyps, and obstructive sleep apnea can lead to a mouth breathing habit in children. This habit can cause palatal dimension changes such as a narrow V-shaped maxillary arch and a high palatal vault. This study analyzed the relationship between the mouth breathing habit in children who have nasal obstruction and palatal dimension changes. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with a consecutive sampling method on children 7-18 years old with a history of allergic rhinitis, adenoid hypertrophy, rhinosinusitis, nasal polyps, and obstructive sleep apnea in the Pediatric Respirology and Pediatric Immunology Allergy Outpatient Clinic Kiara Maternal and Child Health Center at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital in Jakarta. The palatal dimensions were measured by the height and transversal width of the hard palate of castings of each child’s upper dental arch using vernier calipers. Palatal dimension changes were found in children with a mouth breathing habit due to nasal obstruction.

Body posture and pulmonary function in mouth and nose breathing children: cross-sectional study

Abstract Introduction: Mouth breathing can lead to changes in body posture and pulmonary function. However, the consequences are still inconclusive and a number of studies are controversial. Objective: Evaluate and correlate spirometric parameters and postural measures in mouth breathing children, and compare them to nose breathers. Methods: two groups of 6 to 12 year-old children were evaluated: mouth breathers (MB, n = 55) and nose breathers (NB, n = 45). Spirometry and body posture analysis using photogrammetry (SAPo 0.68® v) were carried out. The following spirometric measures were evaluated: peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio (%) and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of FVC (FEF 25-75%). Biophotogrammetric measures analyzed were: horizontal alignment of acromions (HAA) and anterior superior iliac spine (HAASIS), Charpy angle, horizontal alignment of the head (HAH), cervical lordosis (CL), thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), cervical distance (CD) and lumbar distance (LD). Results: There were no intergroup differences in spirometric and postural variables. Positive and moderate correlations were found between CL and CD measures with PEF, FEV1, FVC and FEF 25-75%, while weak correlations were observed between lumbar lordosis and PEF, FEV1 and FVC. Conclusion: The breathing mode had no influence on postural and respiratory measures. However, greater forward head posture, with smaller cervical lordosis, was related to higher lung volumes and flows in both groups.

Pulmonary hypertension evaluation by Doppler echocardiogram in children and adolescents with mouth breathing syndrome

IntroductionAdenotonsillar hyperplasia (ATH) and allergic rhinitis (AR) are the most common causes of upper airway obstruction in children. Such diseases, by affecting the upper airways, can cause chronic alveolar hypoventilation, pulmonary vasoconstriction and pulmonary hypertension, which in some cases, are irreversible. ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in two groups of mouth-breathing (MB) 2–12 years old children with ATH and isolated allergic rhinitis, through Doppler echocardiography. Methods54 patients with ATH and indications for adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy and 24 patients with persistent allergic rhinitis were selected and submitted to Doppler echocardiography. The Systolic Pulmonary Artery Pressure (SPAP) was determined by tricuspid regurgitation and the Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure (MPAP) was calculated from the SPAP. Similar measurements were carried out in 25 nasal breathing (NB) individuals. ResultsThe mean MPAP and SPAP were higher in the MB than in the NB group (17.62±2.06 [ATH] and 17.45±1.25 [AR] vs. 15.20±2.36 [NB] mmHg, p<0.005, and 25.61±3.38 [ATH] and 25.33±2.06 [AR] vs. 21.64±3.87 [NB] mmHg, p<0.005, respectively) and the mean acceleration time of pulmonary flow trace (Act) was higher in the NB than in the MB group (127.24±12.81 [RN] vs. 114.06±10.63ms [ATH] and 117.96±10.28 [AR] MS [AR]; p<0.0001). ConclusionNone of the MB children (ATH and AR) met the PH criteria, although individuals with both ATH and isolated AR showed significant evidence of increased pulmonary artery pressure by Doppler echocardiography in relation to NB individuals. No differences were observed between the ATH and AR groups.

Maxillary dentoskeletal changes 1-year after adenotonsillectomy

ObjectiveTo measure the maxillary dentoskeletal and soft tissue changes of severely obstructed mouth breathing (MB) young children who had their mode of breathing normalized after adenotonsillectomy (T&A), in comparison with a matched group of severely obstructed untreated MB children (CG). MethodsSeventy patients who had an Ear, Nose, and Throat examination (ENT), including flexible nasal endoscopy, to confirm the severe obstruction of the upper airways and the indication of T&A composed the sample. Cephalograms and dental casts were available from the patient's orthodontic records. Treatment group (TG) and CG included 35 children each. Groups were matched by gender (24 males and 11 females in each group), age (TG, 6.7 ± 1.8 years; CG, 6.9 ± 2.3 years), tooth development (TG, 13 primary dentition, 22 mixed dentition; CG, 14 primary dentition, 21 mixed dentition), and skeletal maturation status. Records were taken at baseline (T0) and 1-year after T&A (T1) for TG; while CG records were taken with a 1-year interval. Dentoskeletal measurements were performed in the lateral cephalograms, and dental casts were used to assess the palatal volume and occlusal changes. ResultsTG showed a significant increase (503.3 mm3, P < 0.001) in the palatal volume (10% of change), while CG palatal volume was stable. No dimensional occlusal changes were detected between T0 and T1 in both groups. Significant downward (point A, 2.1 mm; ANS, 2.1 mm) and forward displacements (point A, 0.7 mm; ANS, 1 mm) of the anterior region of the maxilla were observed in the TG, but CG presented only significant downward displacement (point A, 1.8 mm; ANS, 1.4 mm). The maxillary posterior region (PNS, PTM, and Molar) displaced downward in both groups (P < 0.05), however no sagittal change was found. The palatal plane inclination was stable in both groups. ConclusionsTG presented significant increase in the palatal volume and in the forward displacement of the maxilla. No other significant maxillary dentoskeletal changes were found.

Cephalometric Assessment of Upper Airway Effects on Craniofacial Morphology.

To investigate craniofacial growth deformities in children with upper airway obstruction, this controlled study was performed. Cephalometry is used as a screening test for anatomic abnormalities in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Therefore, the current work selected this method to investigate the effect of upper airway obstruction on craniofacial morphology.Patients with upper airway obstruction (104) were compared with 71 controls. Patients with upper airway compromise had mandibular hypoplasia, mandibular retrognathism, and higher hard palates in comparison with controls with no history of airway obstruction. The difference was higher in the older age group.Airway obstruction has significant correlation craniofacial morphology. Our findings support the idea of early assessment and thorough management of mouth breathing in children.

Factors associated with mouth breathing in children with -developmental -disabilities.

To investigate the prevalence and factors associated with mouth breathing among patients with developmental disabilities of a dental service. We analyzed 408 dental records. Mouth breathing was reported by the patients' parents and from direct observation. Other variables were as -follows: history of asthma, bronchitis, palate shape, pacifier use, thumb -sucking, nail biting, use of medications, gastroesophageal reflux, bruxism, gender, age, and diagnosis of the patient. Statistical analysis included descriptive analysis with ratio calculation and multiple logistic regression. Variables with p < 0.25 were included in the model to estimate the adjusted OR (95% CI), calculated by the forward stepwise method. Variables with p ​​< 0.05 were kept in the model. Being male (p = 0.016) and use of centrally acting drugs (p = 0.001) were the variables that remained in the model. Among patients with -developmental disabilities, boys and psychotropic drug users had a greater chance of being mouth breathers.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in mouth breathing children

AbstractIt is well known that mouth breathing is associated with adenotonsillar hypertrophy - which is the main cause of obstructive sleep apnea among children. Despite the importance of this matter, there are only a handful of studies showing the relationship between OSAS and mouth breathing. Aimto determine the prevalence of obstructive sleep disorders in mouth breathing children and study its correlation with otorhinolaryngological findings. Study designRetrospective cohort study. MethodData analysis from 248 medical charts of mouth breathing children seen at the Pediatric Otolaryngologic Division of a large medical institution between the years of 2000 and 2006. All patients had nasofibroscopy and or Cavum radiographs and polysomnographic exams. According to the Apnea index, patients were classified as primary snorers (AI<1); and as OSAS (≥1). ResultsFrom 248 patients included in the study, 144 (58%) were primary snorers and 104 (42%) had OSAS. The most prevalent otorhinolaryngological findings were adenotonsillar hypertrophy (n=152; 61.2%), tonsilar hypertrophy (n=17; 6.8%), adenoid hypertrophy (n=37; 14.9%), rhinitis (n=155; 62.5%) and secretory otitis (n=36; 14.5%). Conclusionsprimary snoring and OSAS are frequent findings in mouth breathing children. The most frequent otorhinolaryngological disorder in children with OSAS is adenotonsillar hypertrophy with or without rhinitis.

Postural alterations and pulmonary function of mouth-breathing children

Mouth-breathing children have changes in their stomatognathic system, which result in head projection, stress increase in the scapular belt muscles and postural adaptations. Although thoracic shape and posture can influence ventilatory dynamics, we didn't find studies addressing pulmonary function of mouth-breathing children.Aimsthis study aimed at analyzing the posture of mouth-breathing children, and studying the existence of correlations between posture and pulmonary volumes.Material and Methodsprospective, observational and cross-sectional study, where the posture and pulmonary function of 17 mouth-breathing children and of 17 nasal-breathing children were evaluated by means of photogrammetry and forced spirometry.Resultswhen compared to nasal-breathing, mouth-breathing subjects presented an increment in head projection and cervical lordosis, forwarded gravity center and reduced pulmonary volumes. There was an association between head projection and forced vital capacity, and between postural alterations and age.Conclusionmouth-breathing children have postural alterations which increases with age and also reduced spirometry values. The vital capacity reduction correlates negatively with head projection.

Aeração nasal e força muscular respiratória em crianças respiradoras orais

Resumo: OBJETIVO: observar se existe relação entre força muscular respiratória e área da aeração nasal em crianças respiradoras orais. MÉTODOS: trata-se de um estudo do tipo observacional, transversal comparativo entre dois grupos. Participaram 32 crianças com Respiração Oral secundária à rinite alérgica (21 meninos e 11 meninas) e 30 respiradoras nasais sem rinite alérgica (09 meninos e 21 meninas), 7 a 12 anos, submetidas à avaliação da aeração nasal com o espelho de Altmann e à avaliação da força muscular respiratória com o manovacuômetro digital (MVD(r)30). RESULTADOS: não houve correlação entre aeração nasal e força muscular respiratória em cada subgrupo. Houve diferença comparando-se valores das pressões expiratórias máximas entre meninos e meninas respiradores orais (p=0,0064) e entre meninos e meninas respiradores nasais (p=0,0030). Também houve diferença das pressões inspiratórias máximas entre meninos e meninas respiradores orais (p=0,0324) e entre meninos e meninas respiradores nasais (p=0,0210). CONCLUSÃO: não foi possível confirmar a relação entre a área de aeração nasal e a força muscular respiratória nos respiradores orais.

Características de la oclusión en respiradores bucales de 6 a 12 años de la Clínica del Niño en la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Antioquia

Resumen. Introducción: este estudio tuvo como objetivo establecer las característicasde la oclusión en niños respiradores bucales que acuden a la Clínica del Niño de laFacultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Antioquia. Métodos: estudio descriptivotransversal en 100 pacientes respiradores bucales de 6 a 12 años que acudieronpor primera vez a la Clínica del Niño (iv a vii semestre) y sin intervención terapéuticaprevia, identificados a través de una lista de chequeo. Mediante examen clínico,se recogieron variables sociodemográficas, antecedentes médicos, características faciales,hábitos bucales, características de los arcos dentarios, variables relacionadascon la oclusión y presencia de caries e inflamación de las encías. Resultados: más dela mitad de la población evaluada en clase i dental y no presentó competencia labial.Otros hábitos frecuentes fueron la onicofagia y el bruxismo. La línea media dentalinferior desviada con respecto a la línea media facial predomina más en los niños(69%). En cuanto a la mordida cruzada anterior, no se encontraron diferencias marcadasentre niñas y niños, mientras que la mordida abierta anterior se detectó conmayor frecuencia en niños (26%). La forma ovalada de los arcos fue la más predominante(superior: 85%, inferior: 77%), y más de la mitad de los pacientes presentaronpaladar profundo. Se encontraron signos de inflamación gingival en un 80%, y másdel 50% presentó caries dental. Conclusiones: se encontraron características diferencialesen la población evaluada, tanto faciales como en la oclusión, que requierenanálisis más exhaustivos con el fin de ofrecer tratamientos integrales basados en lasnecesidades individuales y colectivas.

Achados da avaliação multiprofissional de crianças respiradoras orais

OBJETIVO: descrever os achados miofuncionais orofaciais, bem como os principais problemas otorrinolaringológicos, alergológicos e ortodônticos encontrados em crianças com respiração oral. MÉTODOS: análise de prontuários de 502 crianças do Ambulatório do Respirador Oral do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Os participantes tinham idades entre 2 e 12 anos (mediana de 6,0 anos), sendo 289 (57,6%) do sexo masculino e 213 (42,4%) do sexo feminino. Foram coletados dados dos prontuários referentes à anamnese geral, avaliação fonoaudiológica, bem como as partes relevantes das avaliações otorrinolaringológica, alergológica e ortodôntica. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística. RESULTADOS: na anamnese, observou-se prevalência significante de permanência de boca aberta (98,0%), ronco (89,9%) e sialorreia noturna (68,6%). Na avaliação alergológica, verificou-se teste cutâneo positivo (59%) e rinite (57,8%) e na otorrinolaringológica, hipertrofia de adenoide (91,7%) e amígdalas (72,6%), além de mucosa nasal alterada (60,3%). A avaliação ortodôntica indicou presença de má oclusão (86,8%), perfil facial convexo (62,9%) e trespasse vertical aumentado (55,5%). Os dados da avaliação fonoaudiológica indicaram inadequação da posição habitual de lábios (70,5%), tensão de lábios (65,4%) e de língua (64,4%) alteradas, palato duro alto (57,1%), ângulo nasolabial alterado (57,0%) e assimetria facial (55,0%). CONCLUSÃO: verificaram-se alterações nas avaliações realizadas por todos os profissionais, confirmando o grande impacto da respiração oral na qualidade de vida e, portanto, a necessidade de tratamento multidisciplinar para esses pacientes.

Craniofacial changes and symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing in healthy children

INTRODUCTION: The main cause of mouth breathing and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in childhood is associated with upper airway narrowing to varying degrees. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of morphological and functional craniofacial changes and the main clinical symptoms of SDB in healthy children. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted. A sample comprising 687 healthy schoolchildren, aged 7-12 years old and attending public schools, was assessed by medical history, clinical medical and dental examination, and respiratory tests. The self-perceived quality of life of mouth breathing children was obtained by a validated questionnaire. RESULTS: Out of the total sample, 520 children were nose breathers (NB) while 167 (24.3%) were mouth breathers (MB); 32.5% had severe hypertrophy of the palatine tonsils, 18% had a Mallampati score of III or IV, 26.1% had excessive overjet and 17.7% had anterior open bite malocclusion. Among the MB, 53.9% had atresic palate, 35.9% had lip incompetence, 33.5% reported sleepiness during the day, 32.2% often sneezed, 32.2% had a stuffy nose, 19.6% snored, and 9.4% reported having the feeling to stop breathing while asleep. However, the self-perception of their quality of life was considered good. CONCLUSION: High prevalence of facial changes as well as signs and symptoms of mouth breathing were found among health children, requiring early diagnosis and treatment to reduce the risk of SDB.

Dentofacial Growth Alterations in Mouth Breathing Children

Dentofacial Growth Alterations in Mouth Breathing Children

Dificuldades de alunos respiradores orais na resolução de problemas do tipo aditivo

Neste estudo, foram avaliados 26 alunos com características de respiração oral e seus 42 colegas de classe, do terceiro ano do Ensino Fundamental, em uma tarefa de resolução de 13 problemas do tipo aditivo. O desempenho dos respiradores orais na tarefa foi inferior ao de seus colegas de classe (Teste t Pareado, p &lt; 0,00). A análise intergrupos revelou que a proporção de erros de atenção cometidos pelos respiradores orais (30,13%) foi maior que a de seus colegas de classe (18,90%; Teste para Comparação de Duas Proporções, p &lt; 0,00). Os respiradores orais cometeram proporções semelhantes de erros de “atenção” e de “interpretação” (Teste Binomial Exato, p &lt; 0,25), e os seus colegas de classe, mais erros de “interpretação” que de “atenção” (p &lt; 0,00). Portanto, as dificuldades de atenção e de interpretação foram os principais fatores que levaram os respiradores orais a errarem, em média, 66% dos problemas; e a dificuldade de interpretação das situações aditivas foi o principal fator que levou os colegas de classe a errarem, em média, 43% dos problemas.