Mouth breathing may seem harmless, but for many children it’s an early sign of airway problems — including obstructive sleep apnea. When kids can’t breathe well through their nose, they don’t sleep deeply, and their growth, behavior, and oral health can all be affected.

As part of our comprehensive children’s dental care, our Urbandale dental office helps parents understand why mouth breathing happens and how early airway-focused treatment can improve sleep and long-term development. Many children benefit from gentle interventions that guide jaw growth, open the airway, and support healthy breathing habits through our children’s sleep breathing treatment options.

Why Children Start Mouth Breathing

Mouth breathing typically means something is preventing proper nasal airflow or the airway isn’t developing well. Common causes include:

  • Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
  • Chronic congestion from allergies
  • A narrow jaw or high palate that restricts nasal breathing
  • Oral habits like thumb sucking that affect muscle tone

When nasal airflow is limited, the mouth becomes the “backup,” but this can lead to long-term issues with sleep, behavior, and facial development.

Signs Your Child May Have Sleep Apnea

Many signs appear at night or throughout the day. These sleep apnea symptoms include:

  • Snoring, noisy breathing, or restless sleep
  • Sleeping with their mouth open
  • Waking with a dry mouth
  • Difficulty focusing during school
  • Irritability or hyperactivity
  • Morning headaches or daytime fatigue

If your child shows several of these signs, they may be struggling with sleep apnea in children, and an evaluation is important.

How Mouth Breathing Affects Your Child’s Health

Poor nighttime airflow affects more than sleep. Long-term mouth breathing can influence:

Facial and Dental Development

When children rely on mouth breathing, the jaw may develop narrow, the palate may rise, and teeth may crowd. Many kids who experience chronic mouth breathing may later need orthodontics to correct bite or spacing concerns.

Oral Health

Dry mouth increases the risk of cavities and gum irritation.

Behavior and Learning

Interrupted sleep affects mood, concentration, and school performance. Parents often notice improvements once airway issues are addressed.

Dental Treatment Options for Mouth Breathing and Pediatric Sleep Apnea

Because so much of a child’s airway growth is influenced by the shape of the jaws and palate, dentists play a key role in early sleep breathing treatment.

Our Urbandale practice offers:

  • Airway-Focused Dental Appliances: Gentle expanders and growth-guidance devices help widen the jaw, improve nasal airflow, and support better breathing during sleep. For older children and teens, oral appliance therapy may be used as a comfortable CPAP alternative when appropriate.
  • Myofunctional Therapy: Exercises that retrain the tongue and facial muscles to support nasal breathing and healthy oral posture.
  • Collaboration With Medical Specialists: If enlarged tonsils or adenoids contribute to airway blockage, we work with ENTs and sleep physicians to ensure your child receives complete care.

Our goal is to treat the root cause of mouth breathing—not just the symptoms.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Children grow rapidly, and the airway develops alongside their face and jaws. Addressing mouth breathing early can:

  • Improve sleep quality
  • Support proper jaw growth
  • Reduce future orthodontic needs
  • Improve behavior, focus, and learning
  • Protect long-term oral health

Early intervention helps your child develop healthy breathing habits and enjoy more restful nights.

Why Families Choose Us for Sleep Apnea Care

Dr. Jessica Lawson provides compassionate, airway-focused dental care for families across Urbandale and Des Moines. Parents trust our office because we offer:

  • Comprehensive evaluations for childhood airway concerns
  • Tailored treatment plans based on each child’s needs
  • A supportive, kid-friendly environment
  • Continuity of care for the whole family — including sleep apnea treatment for adults

Whether you’re seeking help for your child or yourself, we are here to support healthier breathing and better sleep.

Get Help for Your Child’s Mouth Breathing and Sleep Apnea

If your child snores, breathes through their mouth, or seems tired during the day, it may be more than a habit — it may be a sign of sleep apnea. Recognizing these sleep apnea symptoms early leads to better long-term health.

Take the next step toward improving your child’s sleep:

Call (515) 278-4366 today to schedule your appointment. We’re here to help your child thrive.