Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy DISE with Target Controlled Infusion TCI and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
07:54

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy DISE with Target Controlled Infusion TCI and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Published on: December 6, 2016

20.9K

Are distinct etiologies of upper airway obstruction in mouth-breathing children associated with different

Letícia P Franco1, Bernardo Q Souki2, Paula L Cheib3

  • 1Federal University of Minas Gerais, Outpatient Clinic for Mouth-Breathers, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|January 8, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Mouth-breathing children exhibit distinct cephalometric patterns compared to nasal breathers. The specific cause of upper airway obstruction, whether adenoids or tonsils, influences these facial growth differences.

Area of Science:

  • Orthodontics and Dental Sleep Medicine
  • Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Craniofacial Growth Research

Background:

  • Mouth-breathing (MB) in children is often linked to upper airway obstruction.
  • Understanding the cephalometric patterns associated with MB is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning.
  • Distinct obstructive tissues may lead to varied craniofacial adaptations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if mouth-breathing children with different obstructive tissues show similar cephalometric patterns.
  • To compare the cephalometric characteristics of mouth-breathing children with nasal-breathing controls.
  • To identify specific cephalometric differences based on the etiology of upper airway obstruction.

Main Methods:

  • A comparative study involving 226 prepubescent children (113 MB, 113 nasal breathing controls).
  • MB children were classified into adenoid, tonsillar, or adenotonsillar obstruction groups.
  • Cephalometric analysis using lateral radiography was performed for all participants.

Main Results:

  • Mouth-breathing children showed significant cephalometric differences compared to nasal breathers.
  • All MB subgroups differed significantly from the nasal breathing control group.
  • Cephalometric measurements, including mandibular position and facial height ratios, varied significantly among the MB subgroups.

Conclusions:

  • The cephalometric pattern of mouth-breathing children is not uniform and differs from nasal breathers.
  • The etiology of upper airway obstruction (adenoid vs. tonsil hypertrophy) significantly impacts craniofacial development in MB children.
  • Children with palatine tonsil hypertrophy exhibited a more forward and upward mandibular position compared to those with isolated adenoid enlargement.
Abstract

Keywords:
AdenoidsCephalometry dentofacial growthMouth breathingPalatine tonsil

More Related Videos

Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model08:03

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

Published on: November 4, 2025

430
Author Spotlight: Three-Dimensional Cephalometric Landmark Annotation Demonstration on Human Cone Beam Computed Tomography Scans10:23

Author Spotlight: Three-Dimensional Cephalometric Landmark Annotation Demonstration on Human Cone Beam Computed Tomography Scans

Published on: September 8, 2023

4.0K

Related Concept Videos

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management01:22

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management

Airway management is a key skill in emergency and critical care settings, as maintaining a clear airway is essential for adequate oxygenation and ventilation.Head Tilt-Chin Lift TechniqueThe head tilt-chin lift maneuver is an essential technique primarily used in patients without suspected cervical spine injuries. To perform this maneuver, one hand is placed on the patient’s forehead, and gentle pressure is applied backward to tilt the head. The fingertips of the other hand are positioned...
1.1K
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....
7.0K
Other Pulmonary Disorders01:17

Other Pulmonary Disorders

Respiratory disorders encompass a range of conditions with varying levels of severity. Asthma, marked by chronic airway inflammation and hypersensitivity, is one such condition. It can lead to airway obstruction due to factors like bronchial spasms, mucosal edema, increased mucus secretion, or epithelial damage. Asthma triggers are diverse, ranging from allergens to emotional upset, and treatment focuses on both immediate relief through bronchodilators and long-term inflammation suppression.
2.0K
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction01:30

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
1.3K
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
46
Sleep Apnea01:21

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops intermittently during sleep, often leading to significant health issues. Each episode can last from 10 to 20 seconds or more and is frequently accompanied by a brief arousal from sleep. This disturbance, largely unnoticed by the individual, can lead to severe daytime fatigue. Commonly, individuals seek help after being informed by their partners about loud snoring and noticeable breathing pauses during sleep.
The condition is more prevalent among...
846