Mouth breathing can have negative effects on dental arches. When a person breathes through their mouth, their tongue does not rest in the proper position, which can cause the jaw to grow improperly and result in a narrow dental arch. This can lead to crowding of the teeth and other problems with the teeth and jaw. Mouth breathing can also lead to dry mouth, which can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. If you are concerned about the effects of mouth breathing on your dental arches, book an assessment to assess your Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders. See below for different arch forms. Do any of these look familiar?

  • A view of the upper teeth and palate inside a person's mouth, showing dental crowns on some molars and a dental appliance with metal clasps along the sides.

    U shaped, more ideal

  • Close-up of the upper teeth in a person's mouth showing mixed or permanent teeth, with some crowding and overlapping.

    V Shaped

  • Close-up of the upper teeth and hard palate inside a mouth with dental restorations and cavities.

    S Shaped or "Omega"