Oral breathing in pediatric age: impact on maxillofacial growth and multidisciplinary approaches: a narrative review
Authors
Rosalba Lagioia, Paola Bassi, Chiara Cressoni, Benedetta Cattaneo, Niccolò Cenzato, Marco Farronato, Sharon Di Serio, Kenan Ferati, Arberesha Bexheti-Ferati
Abstract
Aim: This narrative review examines the causes, craniofacial impacts, and multidisciplinary treatments for oral breathing in children aged 6-12 years (prevalence 42-70%). It highlights associations with mandibular retrognathia and Class II malocclusion, advocating early interventions to avert irreversible changes.
Methods: Comprehensive literature review of cephalometric analyses, clinical trials, and epidemiological studies to examine the etiopathogenesis, craniofacial sequelae, and therapeutic outcomes of pediatric oral breathing.
Results: Chronic oral respiration demonstrates significant associations with Class II malocclusion (p<0.01), increased IMPA (97.7° vs 87.7° controls), interlabial gap (5.4 mm vs 1.9 mm), and facial convexity (18.7° vs 7.0°). Adenoid hypertrophy severity correlates directly with mandibular retrognathia and bimaxillary proclination. Multidisciplinary interventions yield statistically significant craniofacial normalization.
Conclusions: Timely multidisciplinary management of pediatric oral breathing prevents irreversible dentoskeletal deformities and optimizes orofacial development. Integrated pediatric dentistry-orthodontic-otolaryngology protocols are essential for achieving long-term therapeutic success.
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