Common Red Flags You Might Miss: Mouth Breathing, Snoring, and More

When it comes to breathing and oral health, most people think of obvious symptoms like chronic congestion or jaw pain. But some of the most important signs are subtle. They are often so common that people stop noticing them altogether. Over time, these patterns can lead to sleep disruption, poor oral development, fatigue, and even emotional or behavioral challenges.

Whether you're an adult struggling with low energy or a parent noticing sleep issues in your child, it’s important to pay attention to small signals the body may be sending. Myofunctional therapy can help address root causes by improving the way the tongue, lips, and facial muscles work together to support better breathing and function.

Here are some red flags that may be easy to miss but are worth exploring.

Mouth Breathing

Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose is one of the most overlooked habits. While it might seem harmless, mouth breathing can lead to poor oxygen exchange, dry mouth, and a higher risk of dental issues. In children, it can affect facial development and contribute to orthodontic problems. In adults, it may contribute to snoring, sleep apnea, and chronic fatigue.

You can check your own posture at rest or observe your child while they are reading or watching a screen. If the lips are parted and the mouth is open, this may be an indicator of mouth breathing. It often goes unnoticed because it becomes the default way to breathe, especially when the nose feels partially blocked.

Snoring or Noisy Breathing During Sleep

Snoring is common, but it is not normal. It signals that the airway is experiencing resistance. This can affect sleep quality and leave you feeling tired even after eight hours in bed. For children, this type of disrupted sleep can show up as hyperactivity, irritability, or difficulty concentrating. For adults, it may appear as brain fog, mood swings, or a need for caffeine throughout the day.

Other signs of sleep-disordered breathing include waking up with a dry mouth, grinding teeth at night, sweating during sleep, or waking frequently without remembering why.

Low Tongue Posture

The tongue is meant to rest against the roof of the mouth, lightly suctioned with lips closed and nasal breathing. When the tongue rests low in the mouth, it can contribute to changes in the shape of the palate and create imbalance in the jaw. This can lead to crowding of the teeth, difficulty swallowing, or poor facial symmetry over time.

Low tongue posture can also be linked to tongue ties or limited tongue mobility. These restrictions can go unnoticed for years and only become obvious once symptoms like

speech changes or dental relapse appear.

Struggles with Chewing or Swallowing

If chewing feels tiring or food tends to stay in one side of the mouth, it may indicate a functional imbalance. Some people unconsciously avoid chewy foods or have trouble coordinating the tongue and lips when eating. This can impact digestion and oral muscle development. In children, selective eating and avoiding certain textures may be connected to low muscle tone or coordination challenges.

Eating and breathing are closely linked. When the muscles used for chewing and swallowing are not functioning well, the airway can also be affected.

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Red flags are often hidden in plain sight. Just because something is common does not mean it should be ignored. Mouth breathing, snoring, low tongue posture, and functional chewing issues can all point to deeper concerns that impact daily life and long-term health.

A myofunctional evaluation provides clarity. It helps identify patterns that may be holding you or your child back from optimal sleep, breathing, and oral function. In Orange County, we work with both children and adults who want to improve their health by addressing these often overlooked signs.