Miya Pearson
Newborns tend to sleep a lot—up to 16 to 18 hours a day. But what if your newborn sleeps with their mouth open? While it's generally normal for babies to occasionally sleep with their mouths open, it could indicate an underlying issue if it happens consistently. Mouth breathing in newborns usually occurs due to nasal congestion or a blocked nose, making it easier for them to breathe. However, it could also be related to tongue tie, deviated septum, sleep apnea, or other structural issues. If you're concerned, consulting a pediatrician or a pediatric dentist is recommended to identify and address any potential problems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Normal or not | It is normal for newborns to sleep with their mouth open occasionally, but it may indicate an underlying concern if it happens consistently. |
| Reasons | Nasal congestion, deviated septum, tongue-tie, allergies, asthma, sinus infection, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or other physical obstructions. |
| Complications | Dental health issues, sleep apnea, long face syndrome, heart issues, high blood pressure, behavioural problems, irritability, and lack of sleep. |
| Solutions | Humidifiers, nasal saline sprays, mouth taping, nasal strips, and in some cases, surgery. |
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What You'll Learn
It's normal for newborns to be nose breathers
It is perfectly normal for newborns to be nose breathers. In fact, it is widely believed that infants are "obligate nose breathers", meaning that they can only breathe through their noses. The only time newborns breathe through their mouths is when they are crying. However, some newborns may sleep with their mouths open due to various factors, such as nasal congestion, a blocked airway, or a deviated septum.
While it is normal for newborns to be nose breathers, there are some cases where mouth breathing can indicate an underlying issue. For example, mouth breathing can be a sign of sleep apnea, a condition where airflow is repeatedly blocked during sleep. It can also lead to dental health issues and affect the development of a child's brain if left untreated. Additionally, mouth breathing can cause behavioural problems in children, contributing to their inability to focus, irritability, and lack of sleep.
If you notice that your newborn is consistently sleeping with their mouth open, it is important to consult with a pediatrician or a pediatric dentist. They can help determine if there is an underlying issue causing the mouth breathing and provide guidance on the best course of action. In some cases, mouth breathing in newborns may be due to tongue tie or lip tie, which can be treated with exercises to release tension in the body.
It's important to remember that every child is different, and you may need to find what works best for your newborn. Trust your instincts, and don't hesitate to reach out to healthcare professionals for advice and support.
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Mouth breathing may indicate a blocked nose
Mouth breathing in newborns may indicate a blocked nose. Newborns tend to breathe through their noses almost exclusively, and only breathe through their mouths when crying. So, if you notice your newborn sleeping with their mouth open, it could be a sign of nasal congestion or blockage. This may be caused by a common cold, allergies, or asthma. In some cases, it could be due to enlarged adenoids or tonsils, a deviated septum, or even tongue-tie.
If your newborn is a mouth breather, it's important to address it to prevent long-term complications. Mouth breathing can affect the development of the teeth and jaw, leading to dental alignment problems, malocclusions, and facial deformities. It can also cause behavioural problems, contributing to irritability, inability to focus, and lack of sleep. Additionally, mouth breathing can lower the concentration of oxygen in the blood, potentially leading to heart issues or high blood pressure.
If you suspect your newborn is a mouth breather, consult a paediatric dentist or a speech and language therapist with expertise in myofunctional therapy. They can evaluate the cause and recommend treatments such as humidifiers, nasal saline sprays, or mouth taping to encourage nose breathing. In some cases, surgery may be required to address health conditions caused by chronic mouth breathing.
It's important to note that mouth breathing may also be influenced by the position in which a baby sleeps. Sleeping on their back, in someone's arms, or in a baby carrier might cause the baby to keep their mouth open. If this happens only occasionally, it's generally not a cause for concern. However, if your newborn consistently sleeps with their mouth open, it's recommended to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues.
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Mouth breathing may indicate serious breathing difficulties
Mouth breathing in newborns may indicate serious breathing difficulties. While it is not uncommon for babies to breathe through their mouths when they have a cold, healthy babies predominantly breathe through their noses. If your baby regularly sleeps with their mouth open, especially over an extended period, it could be a good idea to consult a pediatrician.
Mouth breathing in newborns can be a sign of underlying concerns, such as nasal congestion, airway obstruction, a deviated septum, or sleep apnea. Newborns may experience symptoms of a false first cold due to their small nasal passages, which can easily become clogged. This can cause mouth breathing as the baby adapts to get enough oxygen. In some cases, mouth breathing can be linked to sleep apnea, where airflow is repeatedly blocked during sleep.
If your newborn consistently breathes through their mouth, you may notice symptoms such as irritability, cracked lips, and excessive crying. Open-mouth breathing can also cause dental health issues, such as dry mouth, which reduces saliva and allows bacteria to stay longer on the teeth. Additionally, mouth breathing can affect your child's speech development, causing them to struggle with certain sounds or develop a lisp.
Mouth breathing can also be a result of anatomical problems, such as a deviated septum caused by birth trauma, or problems with the bite and mouth structure, such as a narrow jaw or tongue tie. In some cases, enlarged tonsils or adenoids can partially block the airways, leading to mouth breathing during sleep. It is important to have your child evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of mouth breathing and recommend appropriate treatment or intervention.
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Mouth breathing may lead to dental and health issues
While it is common for newborns to sleep with their mouths open, especially when they have a cold, mouth breathing may lead to dental and health issues.
Mouth breathing can cause a dry mouth, which is a breeding ground for cavity-forming bacteria. The decrease in saliva production means there is less protective acid neutralization and bacteria flushing in the mouth, increasing the risk of decay and periodontal disease. This can lead to gum inflammation, tooth erosion, and increased tooth sensitivity.
Mouth breathing can also cause bruxism, or teeth grinding, which can result in tooth wear, fractures, and cracks. It can also lead to malocclusion, or crooked teeth, and even early tooth loss. Beyond the mouth, the protrusion of the lower jaw against the upper jaw during bruxism can cause temporomandibular disorder of the jaw joints, myofascial pain, and headaches.
In children, mouth breathing can also lead to facial deformities and behavioural problems, including an inability to focus, irritability, and a lack of sleep. It can even affect the development of their brains if left untreated. Mouth breathing can cause a tongue-thrust swallowing pattern, which can lead to trouble swallowing and an increased risk of choking.
If mouth breathing is due to a blocked nasal passage, it is important to address the root cause. Nasal decongestants, antihistamines, and prescription steroid nasal sprays can help with allergies or colds, while swollen adenoids and tonsils may require surgical removal. If mouth breathing is due to sleep apnea, a doctor may prescribe continuous positive air pressure therapy (CPAP), which involves wearing a face mask at night to keep the airways open.
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Mouth breathing may be caused by tongue-tie
While it is common for newborns to sleep with their mouths open, it is important to be aware of the potential causes and consequences of mouth breathing. Mouth breathing in newborns can be caused by various factors, including nasal congestion, airway obstruction, or a deviated septum. In some cases, mouth breathing may also indicate underlying conditions such as sleep apnea or respiratory issues.
Mouth breathing may also be caused by tongue-tie, a condition where the frenulum, the tissue that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth, is too short or tight. Tongue-tie can affect a newborn's ability to breastfeed and breathe properly, leading to mouth breathing. The resting position of the tongue in individuals with tongue-tie is typically lower in the mouth, resulting in a high-arched palate and a deviated septum, which can narrow the nasal airway. This narrowing can further obstruct the airway and lead to mouth breathing.
The consequences of mouth breathing can include dental health issues, such as crooked teeth and overcrowding, as well as orofacial myofunctional disorders. Additionally, mouth breathing can cause behavioural problems, affecting a child's ability to focus and leading to irritability and lack of sleep. In some cases, mouth breathing has also been linked to sleep apnea, a condition characterised by blocked airflow during sleep.
If you notice that your newborn consistently sleeps with their mouth open, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional, such as a paediatrician or a lactation consultant, especially if you suspect tongue-tie or other underlying conditions. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options, such as breathing retraining, orthodontic treatment, or, in some cases, surgery to correct tongue-tie or remove physical obstructions.
It is important to note that while tongue-tie can contribute to mouth breathing, it may not always be the primary cause, and a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the best course of treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not uncommon for newborns to sleep with their mouths open occasionally, especially when they have a cold. However, newborns predominantly breathe through their noses. If your newborn regularly sleeps with their mouth open, it could indicate an underlying issue such as nasal congestion, a blocked airway, deviated septum, or sleep apnea.
If left untreated, chronic mouth breathing can lead to various issues. Some potential complications include dental health concerns, long face syndrome, sleep problems, daytime tiredness, behavioural issues, and problems with speech development.
If your newborn is sleeping with their mouth open due to nasal congestion, you can try using humidifiers or nasal saline sprays to reduce congestion. In some cases, mouth taping or nasal strips may be recommended to encourage breathing through the nose. If the issue is related to enlarged adenoids or tonsils, medication or surgery may be necessary.
If your newborn consistently sleeps with their mouth open, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician or a pediatric dentist. Other signs that you should seek medical advice include snoring, pauses in breathing, irritability, and daytime sleepiness.
In addition to nasal congestion or blockage, there are other potential reasons for a newborn to sleep with their mouth open. This could include tongue tie, lip tie, or issues with bite and mouth structure, such as misaligned teeth.
