Mouth Breathing in Kids: When to Worry and What You Can Do

Why is my child mouth breathing?

If you've seen your child sleeping with their mouth open night after night, or even breathing through their mouth during the day, you might be wondering: Is this normal? Should I be worried?

Occasional mouth breathing is common in children, especially during a cold or allergy season. But when it becomes a daily habit, you may want to see a pediatric ENT specialist. Connecticut Children's pediatric ENT MDs, Katherine Kavanagh and Amy Hughes, take a closer look at mouth breathing in kids.

What is mouth breathing and why does it happen?

Mouth breathing means your child is regularly breathing through their mouth instead of their nose. This can happen because of:

Nasal congestion from colds, allergies, or sinus infections
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids that block airflow through the nose
Deviated septum or other structural issues in the nose
Breathing a certain way out of habit, especially in younger kids

While many of these causes come and go, persistent, long-term mouth breathing can cause complications if not addressed by a doctor.

When should parents worry about mouth breathing?

Here are some signs it’s time to see a doctor:

Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
Sleepiness, crankiness or trouble focusing during the day
Speech or swallowing difficulties
Changes in facial growth or dental alignment (such as long face or open bite)

If you're noticing any of the above, it's a good idea to ask your pediatrician for a referral to an ENT. The good news: with the right evaluation and care plan, many of this can be reversed—or prevented in the first place.

When should parents NOT worry about mouth breathing?

Mouth breathing that happens only at night
Mouth breathing at night that is NOT associated with snoring or sleep concerns

How can a pediatric ENT help with mouth breathing?

At Connecticut Children’s, our Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists are experts in identifying whether there is an underlying cause of mouth breathing in kids. Here's how we help:

Complete ENT evaluation: Including nasal and throat exam, medical history, and symptom review
Imaging or sleep studies: If we suspect enlarged tonsils, adenoids, or sleep apnea, we may recommend a sleep study.

Treatment options for mouth breathing may include:

Nasal sprays or allergy management
Surgery (if needed) for enlarged tonsils or adenoids

We work closely with families to find the best treatment for each individual child.

What to expect at your child’s ENT visit

Not sure what happens at an ENT appointment at Connecticut Children’s? Here’s what most families experience:

Questions about sleep, snoring, behavior, and allergies
An exam of your child’s ears, nose, mouth, and throat
The doctor may use a small, flexible camera to gently look inside your child’s nose. This helps them see the nasal passages and possibly the adenoids at the back of the nose
A collaborative care plan, tailored to your child’s needs

Time to ask all your questions—because your peace of mind matters!