Mouth Breathing and Its Impact on Orthodontic Treatment and Orofacial Development: A Systematic Review

Background: Mouth breathing significantly impacts orofacial development and orthodontic outcomes, contributing to malocclusion, narrow palates, and altered facial growth. This systematic review explores its causes, effects, and treatment strategies in orthodontics.Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and PMC databases for studies published between 2000 and 2024. Keywords included "mouth breathing and orthodontics" and "impact of mouth breathing on malocclusion." Inclusion criteria focused on studies examining skeletal and oral development, orthodontic interventions for mouth breathers, and clinical trials. Data extraction captured sample size, study design, and outcomes.Results: Chronic mouth breathing, caused by nasal obstruction, adenoid hypertrophy, craniofacial anomalies, and habitual behaviors, leads to malocclusion, open bites, and long face syndrome. Myofunctional therapy, palatal expansion, and orthodontic appliances effectively address these issues, while surgical interventions like adenotonsillectomy treat underlying causes. Early intervention is critical to mitigate long-term dental and facial consequences.Conclusion: Mouth breathing profoundly affects oral and facial development, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment combining orthodontic care, therapy, and surgical correction. Further research is necessary to refine treatment strategies and improve outcomes for mouth-breathing patients.