Washington, Apr 7 (IANS): When spring flowers bloom, pollen and other materials can wreak havoc on those suffering from seasonal allergies causing a problem called mouth breathing.
The physical, medical and social problems associated with mouth breathing are not recognised by most healthcare professionals, says a new study.
Dentists typically request that their patients return every six months, which means that some people see their dentist more frequently than they see their physician.
As a result, dentists may be the first to identify the symptoms of mouth breathing. And, because they understand the problems associated with mouth breathing, they can help prevent the adverse effects.
"Allergies can cause upper airway obstruction, or mouth breathing, in patients," said Yosh Jefferson, study author. "Almost every family has someone with mouth breathing problems."
Over time, children whose mouth breathing goes untreated may suffer from abnormal facial and dental development, such as long, narrow faces and mouths, gummy smiles, gingivitis and crooked teeth.
The poor sleeping habits that result from mouth breathing can adversely affect growth and academic performance.
As Jefferson notes: "Many of these children are misdiagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) and hyperactivity."
In addition, mouth breathing can cause poor oxygen concentration in the bloodstream, which can cause high blood pressure, heart problems, sleep apnea and other medical issues.
"Children who mouth breathe typically do not sleep well, causing them to be tired during the day and possibly unable to concentrate on academics," Jefferson said. "If the child becomes frustrated in school, he or she may exhibit behavioural problems."
Treatment for mouth breathing is available and can be beneficial for children if the condition is caught early. A dentist can check for mouth breathing symptoms and swollen tonsils.
"After surgery and/or orthodontic intervention, many patients show improvement in behaviour, energy level, academic performance, peer acceptance and growth," says Leslie Grant, spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), according to its release.
These finding were published in the February issue of General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).