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Chronic mouth breathing in children is often a sign that the airway is restricted. Common causes include enlarged tonsils or adenoids, allergies, a narrow upper jaw and tongue-tie. Park Smiles NYC screens every child’s airway during routine pediatric exams in Carnegie Hill. When a problem is found, the pediatric dentists, orthodontist Dr. Helen Choi and sister practice NYC Sleep Well coordinate the next steps. This airway focus is what sets Park Smiles apart from other pediatric dentists on the Upper East Side.
Call the children’s line: +1-212-461-9120 · Learn about airway orthodontics
Signs of Mouth Breathing and Airway Problems
Many signs show up at night, so parents often notice them first.
At night
- Snoring, gasping or pauses in breathing.
- Sleeping with the mouth open.
- Restless sleep or unusual sleeping positions.
- Teeth grinding.
- Bedwetting after the age it usually stops.
During the day
- Breathing through the mouth while resting or watching TV.
- Dry, cracked lips and bad breath.
- Tiredness, irritability or trouble focusing at school.
- Dark circles under the eyes.
- Crowded teeth or a high, narrow palate.
Why Mouth Breathing Matters for Your Child
Breathing through the nose supports normal growth of the jaws and face. When a child breathes through the mouth for months or years, the tongue rests low and the upper jaw can grow narrow. This often leads to crowded teeth and bite problems.
Mouth breathing also dries the mouth, which raises the risk of cavities and gum inflammation. Sleep-disordered breathing can affect focus, behavior and growth. Finding the cause early allows gentle treatment while your child is still growing.
What Causes Mouth Breathing in Children
Mouth breathing usually has a physical cause. Treating that cause is the goal.
| Cause | What parents may notice | Who treats it |
|---|---|---|
| Enlarged tonsils or adenoids | Loud snoring, frequent throat infections | Ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist |
| Allergies or nasal congestion | Constant stuffy nose, seasonal symptoms | Pediatrician or allergist |
| Narrow upper jaw | Crowded teeth, crossbite, high palate | Orthodontist, often with palatal expansion |
| Tongue-tie | Tongue cannot lift to the palate, speech or feeding issues | Pediatric dentist (frenectomy) |
| Habit and low tongue posture | Mouth open at rest even when the nose is clear | Myofunctional therapist |
How Park Smiles Evaluates Your Child’s Airway
- Sleep and breathing questions about snoring, sleep quality and daytime behavior.
- Mouth and throat exam, including palate shape, visible tonsil size and tongue mobility.
- Bite and growth check for crowding, crossbite and jaw width.
- Coordinated next steps. When needed, your child is referred to an ENT or for a sleep study through NYC Sleep Well.
- A combined plan that addresses the cause and protects jaw growth.
A dentist can screen for airway problems, but only a sleep study can diagnose sleep apnea.
Treatment Options for Children
- Palatal expansion. A rapid palatal expander widens a narrow upper jaw. It works best before the palate suture fuses, usually between ages 7 and 14.
- Frenectomy. Releasing a tight tongue-tie lets the tongue rest against the palate. See frenectomy for tongue-tie.
- Early orthodontics with Dr. Helen Choi to guide jaw growth.
- ENT and allergy care coordinated with your child’s physicians.
- Myofunctional therapy to retrain tongue and lip posture.
Why Families Choose Park Smiles for Airway Care
- Airway screening at every pediatric exam, not only when parents ask.
- Pediatric dentists and an orthodontist in one office, so growth-friendly treatment starts on time.
- Sleep testing through NYC Sleep Well, the Park Smiles sister practice.
- Experience with tongue-tie release and palatal expansion.
Read how airway care works across the practice on the airway orthodontics page. Meet Dr. Jessica Brezel Kaplan, or see all services on our pediatric dentistry page and our Upper East Side pediatric dentist page.
Mouth Breathing and Airway FAQs
Is mouth breathing normal in children?
Occasional mouth breathing during a cold is normal. Mouth breathing most of the time, including during sleep, is not and should be evaluated.
Is it normal for my child to snore?
Light snoring during a cold is common. Regular snoring, especially with pauses or gasping, should be evaluated by a dentist, pediatrician or sleep specialist.
Can a dentist diagnose sleep apnea in children?
No. A dentist can screen for warning signs, but a sleep study is needed to diagnose sleep apnea. Park Smiles coordinates testing through NYC Sleep Well.
At what age should my child be evaluated?
Any age, as soon as you notice signs. Airway screening starts at the first dental visit, and the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic check by age 7.
Can a palatal expander help my child breathe better?
Widening a narrow upper jaw also widens the floor of the nose. For some children, this improves nasal breathing as well as making room for the teeth.
Can tongue-tie cause mouth breathing?
Yes. A tight tongue-tie can keep the tongue low in the mouth, which encourages mouth breathing and a narrow palate.
Will my child outgrow mouth breathing?
Some children do, once allergies or enlarged tonsils are treated. When the cause is a narrow jaw or low tongue posture, the habit and its effects usually continue without treatment.
Book an Airway Screening for Your Child
Early evaluation gives your child the best chance of healthy breathing and jaw growth. Call the children’s line at +1-212-461-9120 or book online.
We Provide Superior Results
At Park Smiles NYC in Carnegie Hill, Upper East Side, our mission is to provide every patient with exceptional care, prioritizing comfort, compassion, and excellence at every step.
We are dedicated to delivering outstanding results through personalized attention in a welcoming and supportive environment. Led by Dr. Krystle Kendall, D.M.D., our skilled team offers a full range of top-quality dental services—all conveniently available under one roof in Carnegie Hill.
Our skilled team in Carnegie Hill, Upper East Side, NYC is dedicated to offering a comprehensive array of the very best dental Treatments
Prosthodontics & Cosmetic Dentistry
Prosthodontics & Cosmetic Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry
Orthodontics
Oral Surgeon
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Visit Our Office
Park Smiles NYC is proud to serve the historic Carnegie Hill community. Our office at 1175 Park Avenue is nestled among some of New York’s most iconic landmarks. We are:
Two blocks East of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park.
South of 96th Street, making us easily accessible via the 6 Train or the M1, M2, M3, and M4 bus lines on Madison and Fifth Avenue.
Walking distance to Museum Mile, including the Cooper Hewitt and Jewish Museum.
Easily accessible Upper East Side practice, located just two blocks from the 93rd Street entrance to Central Park and a short walk from the 96th St Q and 6 Subway stations.
- Park Smiles NYC Cosmetic Dentistry
- 1175 Park Ave # 1d, New York, NY 10128, United States
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Business Hours:
Monday: 9AM-5PM
Tuesday: 9AM-7PM
Wednesday: 8AM-5PM
Thursday: 9AM-7PM
Friday: 9AM-5PM
Saturday-Sunday: Closed - +1-212-988-6724
We look forward to welcoming you to our office and helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Schedule your appointment today!
Schedule an Appointment with a Highly-Qualified Cosmetic Dentist in Carnegie Hill at Park Smiles NYC
If you are ready to enhance your smile, the experienced cosmetic dentists at Park Smiles NYC are here to help. Our dedicated team offers a comprehensive range of services, from orthodontics to teeth whitening, to meet all your oral health needs. We understand the importance of a healthy smile for your overall well-being and are committed to ensuring your satisfaction throughout your treatment journey.
Or Call +1-212-988-6724
