Breathing Easy: How Parents Can Support Children's Airway Health
A child developing healthy breathing and an optimal airway.
Parents are ever vigilant. They monitor different aspects of their children's development—from height and weight to language skills and emotional regulation, and social skills. One critical area often flies under the radar until problems arise: breathing and airway health.
How your child breathes can affect everything from facial development and dental alignment to sleep quality, immune function, learning, and even behavior.
Here's what every parent should know about supporting optimal breathing in their growing child.
What is Healthy Breathing?
Healthy breathing is nasal breathing, during both day and night. When children breathe through their nose rather than their mouth, they:
Filter out allergens and pathogens
Properly humidify the incoming air
Produce nitric oxide, which improves oxygen absorption
Support the proper development of facial structures and dental arches
When children chronically breathe through their mouths, particularly during sleep, it can lead to health issues such as frequent infections, altered facial growth, and even behavioral challenges.
Signs Your Child May Have Breathing Issues
Watch for these potential indicators of suboptimal breathing:
Sleeping with the mouth open
Snoring or audible breathing during sleep
Frequent throat clearing or coughing without illness
Dark circles under the eyes ("allergic shiners")
Crowded teeth or a narrow palate
Forward head posture
Frequent congestion or sinus infections
Bedwetting beyond the typical age
Daytime fatigue or difficulty concentrating
Hyperactivity or behavior issues
Mouth breathing during the day
If you notice several of these signs, it's worth discussing with your pediatrician or seeking evaluation from an airway-focused specialist.
Supporting Healthy Airways
1. Encourage Nasal Breathing from Day One
Even infants can develop a preference for mouth breathing if nasal congestion is left unaddressed. For babies, gentle saline drops and using a nasal aspirator can help keep tiny airways clear. For older children, teaching them to blow their noses properly and use saline rinses when congested helps maintain the nasal breathing habit.
2. Address Allergies and Environmental Triggers
Environmental allergies often contribute to chronic nasal congestion. Consider:
Using high-quality air purifiers in bedrooms
Washing bedding in hot water weekly
Minimizing dust-collecting items in sleeping areas
Testing for and addressing mold issues in your home
Discussing allergy testing with your pediatrician if symptoms persist
3. Monitor and Optimize Sleep Position
Children who sleep on their backs with good support may breathe better than those who tummy sleep or curl up in positions that compress their airways. For older children, ensuring proper pillow height can help maintain open airways during sleep.
4. Consider Myofunctional Factors
The position and function of the tongue play a crucial role in airway health. The tongue should naturally rest against the roof of the mouth, not down at the bottom. If your child has a tongue-tie or other oral restrictions, addressing these with qualified professionals may significantly improve breathing.
Signs that might indicate tongue function issues include:
Difficulty breastfeeding in infancy
Speech difficulties
Messy eating habits
Difficulty swallowing pills
Mouth breathing despite clear nasal passages
5. Evaluate Dietary Connections
For some children, certain foods trigger inflammation that affects breathing. Common culprits include:
Dairy products
Wheat and gluten
Processed foods with artificial ingredients
High-sugar foods
Keeping a food and symptom journal might help identify connections between diet and breathing difficulties.
6. Seek Integrated Care When Needed
If breathing issues persist, consider consulting with professionals who specialize in children's airway health:
Pediatric ENT specialists
Airway-focused dentists
Myofunctional therapists
Craniosacral therapists
Sleep specialists
Many breathing issues require a multidisciplinary approach for the best results.
Long-Term Benefits of Supporting Airway Health
When children breathe optimally, they experience benefits that extend far beyond respiratory health:
Improved sleep quality, which supports growth, immunity, and emotional regulation
Better oxygenation, supporting brain development and cognitive function
Proper facial development, potentially reducing the need for orthodontic intervention
Reduced risk of sleep-disordered breathing conditions like sleep apnea
Enhanced athletic performance and stamina
Improved focus and attention regulation
A Proactive Approach
Rather than waiting for obvious breathing problems to develop, parents can take a proactive approach to airway health from early childhood. By understanding the signs of suboptimal breathing and addressing contributing factors early, you're setting your child up for better health outcomes across multiple domains.
