Malocclusion in Mouth-Breathing Children Caused by Nasal Obstruction

Abstract. This pilot study analyzed the relationship between habitual mouth breathing and malocclusion in patients diagnosed with upper airway obstruction. A crosssectional descriptive study was conducted by consecutive sampling of children/adolescents with allergic rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, and adenoid hypertrophy. Following a subject questionnaire about mode of breathing, an impression was taken, and a Vernier caliper was used to analyze the occlusion. Several types of malocclusion were found in mouth-breathing subjects. Habitual mouth breathing with an upper airway obstruction may contribute to the development of malocclusion. Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists should consider treating all mouth-breathing children, regardless of etiological factors, since malocclusion risks cannot be calculated based on routinely used criteria alone.