Most children breathe through the nose at rest. Occasional mouth breathing during a cold or heavy exercise is normal. What is worth noticing is a habitual pattern that continues day after day, awake and asleep.
Simple things to observe at home
Over a week, note what you see rather than trying to diagnose anything.
- · Is the mouth open at rest while reading or watching television?
- · Is there snoring, or noisy breathing, most nights?
- · Does your child wake with a dry mouth?
- · Is sleep restless, with frequent position changes?
- · Are there long periods of nasal blockage without infection?
Why it is worth evaluating
Habitual mouth breathing may have several contributing causes, including adenoid enlargement, nasal allergy and other nasal conditions. Identifying which factors apply to your child guides what, if anything, needs to be done.
Medical disclaimer
This website provides general health education. It is not a substitute for individual medical evaluation, diagnosis or treatment.