Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 2026

Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model
08:03

Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model

Published on: November 4, 2025

Craniofacial growth variations in nasal-breathing, oral-breathing, and tracheotomized children

Silvia Fuerte Bakor1, Donald H Enlow, Paulo Pontes

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. sfb@uol.com.br

American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics : Official Publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, Its Constituent Societies, and the American Board of Orthodontics
|October 5, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Childhood tracheotomies may lead to abnormal facial growth, similar to oral breathing patterns. This study compared craniofacial development in nasal, oral, and tracheotomized children, finding significant differences in muscle activity and facial measurements.

Area of Science:

  • Craniofacial development
  • Pediatric respiratory influences

Background:

  • Childhood oral breathing can cause muscular imbalances and facial deformities.
  • Facial growth alterations in tracheotomized children are not well-documented.
  • Understanding breathing mechanism impacts on facial development is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate craniofacial development in children based on breathing mechanisms.
  • To compare nasal, oral, and tracheotomized breathing patterns.
  • To identify potential facial growth consequences of tracheotomies.

Main Methods:

  • Electromyography of masseter and suprahyoid muscles.
  • Measurement of facial, maxillary, and mandibular widths.
  • Assessment of nasion-sella-gnathion angle and facial index.

Main Results:

  • Tracheotomized children showed greater masseter than suprahyoid muscle activity, similar to nasal breathers.
  • Oral breathers exhibited reduced muscle activity and facial width measurements.
  • Tracheotomized children displayed increased suprahyoid activity during occlusion, akin to oral breathers.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood tracheotomy may negatively impact craniofacial development.
  • Facial growth patterns in tracheotomized children resemble those of oral breathers.
  • Abnormal facial growth variations can result from childhood tracheotomies.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Analysis of Craniomaxillofacial Malformations in Mice Using Three-dimensional Microcomputed Tomography02:42

Analysis of Craniomaxillofacial Malformations in Mice Using Three-dimensional Microcomputed Tomography

Published on: January 17, 2025

Quantification of Orofacial Phenotypes in Xenopus09:26

Quantification of Orofacial Phenotypes in Xenopus

Published on: November 6, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Trachea01:22

Trachea

The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a vital part of the human respiratory system. It serves as a passageway for air to travel between the larynx and the bronchi, allowing oxygen to reach the lungs. Let's explore its anatomical features, dimensions, layers of the tracheal wall, associated muscles, and the functions of its parts.
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of the...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection01:27

Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection

Physical assessment of the respiratory tract through inspection is a crucial step in understanding the patient's respiratory health. It provides insights into the functioning of the respiratory system, the musculoskeletal structure, and even the patient's nutritional status. This comprehensive approach involves observing several vital aspects: chest configuration, breathing patterns, respiratory rates, skin color, and use of accessory muscles.
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration can...
Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract01:29

Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract

The upper respiratory tract plays a vital role in the respiratory system, comprising several structures that facilitate air intake and prepare air for the lungs. It also serves as the first line of defense against pathogens and particles. This tract includes the nose and nasal cavity, the oral cavity, the paranasal sinuses, and the pharynx, each with specific functions and features.
Nose and nasal cavity
The nose and nasal cavity represent the main external openings of the respiratory tract.
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles01:30

Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles

A thorough assessment of respiratory health is paramount in clinical settings to identify and manage respiratory distress and ensure adequate oxygenation. This article elaborates on the critical aspects of respiratory evaluation, including airway assessment, skin color examination, and the observation of accessory muscle use, which are integral to effectively diagnosing and managing patients with respiratory conditions.
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract I: Health History01:28

Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract I: Health History

Physical assessment of the respiratory tract is critical to patient care. It allows healthcare professionals to identify and manage various respiratory conditions. The process involves a combination of subjective and objective data collection.
Subjective Data
Subjective data provides vital information about the patient's health history and symptoms. This data is typically collected through interviews in which patients describe their experiences, symptoms, and concerns.
Health history and key...
Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece01:23

Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece

Oxygen delivery is critical in clinical care, especially for patients with respiratory disorders or those undergoing surgical procedures. Various systems, such as tracheostomy and the T-piece, deliver oxygen to the lungs, ensuring adequate arterial oxygenation.
Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening (stoma) in the anterior part of the trachea. It is used to establish a patient airway, bypass an upper airway obstruction, simplify the removal of secretions, permit long-term...