Radiographic cephalometry analysis of head posture and craniofacial morphology in oral breathing children

Abstract

Background/Aim. Nasal breathing plays an important role in overall physical growth and mental development, as well as in the growth of the craniofacial complex. Oral breathing over a long period of time, can cause changes in position of the head relative to the cervical spine and jaw relationship. It can cause an open bite and the narrowness of the maxillary arch due to increased pressure of strained face. The aim of this study was to analyze the position of the head and craniofacial morphology in oral breathing children, and compare the values obtained compared with those of the same parameters in nasal brething children. Methods. We analyzed the profile cephalometric radiographs of 60 patients who had various orthodontic problems. In the first group there were 30 patients aged 8?14 years, in which oral breathing is confirmed by clinical examination. In the second group there were 30 patients of the same age who had orthodontic problems, but did not show clinical signs of oral breathing. The analyses covered the following: craniocervical angle (NS/OPT), the length of the anterior cranial base (NS), anterior facial height (N-Me), posterior facial height (S-Go), the angle of maxillary prognathism (SNA), angle of mandibular prognathism (SNB), difference between angles SNA and SNB (ANB angle), the angle of the basal planes of the jaws (SpP/MP), cranial base angle (NSB), and the angle of facial convexity (NA/Apg). Results. The average value of the craniocervical angle (NS/OPT) was significantly higher in OB children (p = 0.004). There were significantly different values of SNA (p < 0.001), ANB (p < 0.001), NA/APg (p < 0.001) and length of the anterior cranial base (NS) (p = 0.024) between groups. Conclusion. Oral breathing children have pronounced retroflexion of the head in relation to the cervical spine compared to nasal breathing children, and the most prominent characteristics of the craniofacial morphology of skeletal jaw relationship of class II and increased facial convexity.

Impact of the Habit of Mouth Breathing on the Development of the Stomatognathic System- Literature Review

“…By constantly keeping the mouth ajar, RBs cause hypofunction of the orofacial muscles, which leads to a deterioration of certain phonemes such as: t, d, s, z, r [1,8].…”

“…Nasal breathing plays a substantial role in the growth and development of the craniofacial complex [1]. The main function of the nose is to moisten, warm and purify inhaled air from dust and bacteria before it is carried into the lungs [2].…”

“…When nasal breathing is affected by external or internal factors, gives way to mouth breathing; which leads to changes in the position of the jaw, head and tongue [1].…”

Efficacy of a modified twin block appliance compared with the traditional twin block appliance in children with hyperdivergent mandibular retrognathia: protocol for a single-centre, single-blind, randomised controlled trial

“…The treatment of children with long-face growth patterns also remains to be a challenging clinical problem. In recent years, the number of children with nasopharyngeal airway obstructive diseases has been increasing, and the resulting compensatory mouth breathing is the main cause of dental and maxillofacial deformities in these children 1…”

“…In recent years, the number of children with nasopharyngeal airway obstructive diseases has been increasing, and the resulting compensatory mouth breathing is the main cause of dental and maxillofacial deformities in these children. 1 We investigated the prevalence of deciduous dentition malocclusion among children aged between 3 and 5 years in Shanghai and analysed the correlation between malocclusion and oral habits, dietary structure and upper respiratory diseases. 2 Researchers have found that chronic rhinitis and adenotonsillar hypertrophy are highly correlated with mouth breathing, 3 accompanied by a higher prevalence of hyperdivergent malocclusion.…”