Why Mouth Breathing Matters More Than You Think

In this episode, we took a deep breath—literally—and talked about something we all tend to overlook: mouth breathing in kids. It's not just a quirky habit or something they'll "outgrow." It’s often the very first red flag that the body is struggling, and if we don't catch it early, it can quietly snowball into sleep issues, behavioral problems, and even developmental delays.

We started by diving into how disconnected our healthcare system is—dentists look at teeth, pediatricians look at growth, ENTs look at infections—but no one is zooming out to ask: How are they breathing? Is their tongue resting correctly? Are their lips closed at rest?

Then we explored three major truths that most providers don’t talk about:

We don’t screen the mouth like it matters—things like tongue posture, tethered oral tissues, and lip strength get missed.

The body compensates until it can’t—kids may seem “fine,” but mouth breathing, poor sleep, and behavioral struggles are often signs of a deeper dysfunction.

No one provider has the full picture—which means we as parents have to become the connectors and advocates.

I got personal about my own daughter’s journey—how I missed these signs despite working in dentistry—and how that heartbreak turned into purpose. That’s why I created the SHIFT Method: a roadmap for parents to spot red flags early, ask better questions, and take action before it becomes a crisis.

We wrapped up with a call to action: it’s time to stop waiting for diagnoses and start listening to the body’s signals. Tantrums, snoring, picky eating—these aren’t random quirks. They’re clues. And when we shift our perspective, everything else can shift too.

Key Takeaways:

-Mouth breathing reduces oxygen intake by 18% during sleep—yes, 18%!

-It’s not normal—just common—and common doesn't mean healthy.

-Providers often “stay in their lane,” so parents must become the advocates.

-Early signs like bedwetting, snoring, or dark under-eye circles are worth investigating.

-One simple shift—like encouraging nose breathing at night—can make a huge difference.

Book a consultation today:

I am always here to help answer any question and schedule a 15 minute call with me. If I can not help, I can get you to a provider that can.

https://shereewertz.com/15-min