The Hidden Power of Nasal Breathing for Children’s Health

Breathing is automatic, so we rarely think about how we breathe, yet it has a profound impact on our health, speech, and even facial development.

Studies show that chronic mouth breathing in childhood can be linked to:

• Altered jaw growth and dental alignment
  
  
• Increased risk of sleep-disordered breathing
  
  
• Poorer concentration and daytime fatigue
  
  

At Write2Talk, we champion an oromyofunctional approach in all areas of our speech and language therapy. This means we look at how the muscles of the mouth, face, and tongue work together for speech, feeding, and breathing.
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Why Nasal Breathing Matters
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Nasal breathing:

• Filters, warms, and humidifies air before it reaches the lungs
  
  
• Promotes good tongue posture (against the palate), essential for healthy jaw and palate development
  
  
• Encourages proper lip seal and oral rest posture
  
  
• Can improve sleep quality, focus, and overall wellbeing
  

Supporting Healthy Breathing Habits

For children who habitually breathe through their mouth, simple awareness and therapy exercises can encourage correct oral posture. This can prevent future dental crowding, improve speech clarity, and support calmer, more efficient breathing.

Our team at Write2Talk integrates oromyofunctional therapy into treatment plans, helping families understand the connection between breathing, speech, and feeding. With only around 14 practitioners in the UK trained in this approach, we’re proud to be leading the way and we’re passionate about sharing our knowledge with parents, teachers, and other professionals.