2020 Volume 58 Issue 3 Pages 132-141
This study examined the oral functional status of children to establish parameters for the early detection of mouth breathing habits based on simple daily life assessment. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 355 guardians of children aged 3 to 6 years old attending a daycare center and a kindergarten in Yokohama City.
Responses to four survey questions on whether “they keep their mouth open during the daytime,” “sleep with their mouth open,” “nasal congestion during the daytime” and “nasal congestion while sleeping” yielded six characteristics of mouth breathing categories. Based on the answers, the children were divided into two groups, mouth breathing and nasal breathing groups, and were further asked a total of 66 questions. Comparison between the two groups revealed significant differences in seven statements in response to all six characteristics of which five questions, except the two questions used to define mouth breathing “keep their mouth open during the daytime” and “sleep with their mouth open,” are as follows :
1.Often touches the nostrils
2.Trouble hearing
3.Frequent dry mouth
4.Flaccid lips
5.Drops food while eating
These characteristics are considered to be five new signs for the early detection of mouth breathing habits. Recognition of these signs by child caretakers, kindergarten teachers, and guardians in the initial stage could lead to early detection and timely management of mouth breathing habits.
