In through the nose
The unexpected answer to reducing colds and flu in your little one may just be to encourage him to breathe through his nose, rather than his mouth.
Why shouldn’t your baby habitually breathe through the mouth? Your nose is designed to warm, moisten and filter the air that you breathe. Excessive mouth breathing can be problematic because air is not filtered and warmed as much as when it’s inhaled through the nose. This could possibly result in a wide range of respiratory and allergic conditions for your baby.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CORRECT BREATHING
Dr Douw van der Merwe is a dentist who is a passionate advocate of the benefits of correct breathing. He comments: “When someone breathes through their mouth, they breathe polluted air, with all its allergens, straight into the lungs without having this air filtered. The lungs of babies and children are especially sensitive and need to be protected.” He further points out that it’s important to breathe through the nose because as well as purifying polluted air, the nasal passages ensure that air reaches the lungs at the correct humidity and temperature. “In my practice, I see children with sinusitis, bronchitis and gingivitis, which appear to be directly related to mouth breathing. When I encourage these children to breathe through their noses, they appear to be far less prone to allergies and infections.”
HOW TO ENCOURAGE THE “NOSE BREATHING” HABIT
Dr van der Merwe is a keen advocate of orthodontic dummies. He says:
“I am most impressed with the German orthodontic brand of dummies. I have been recommending NUK dummies to expectant mothers for many years. I find that a NUK dummy fits snugly underneath the nose of a baby and seals off the mouth in such a way that correct suction is assisted and mouth breathing is prevented.” He advocates the use of an orthodontic dummy until the age of about three years.
If your child habitually breathes through his mouth, he needs to be examined by a dentist or a medical professional who can identify and treat the problem appropriately. It is Dr van der Merwe’s belief that the use of a dummy from early on in your baby’s life will assist correct breathing as it helps to create the habit of nose breathing. ●