Question
Recently, some parents have noticed that their babies often open their mouths while sleeping at night. Is this normal? How should it be corrected?
Answer
When parents notice their baby opening their mouth while sleeping, they can try to get close to the baby and listen to determine if the baby is breathing through the nose or mouth. If the baby is indeed breathing through the mouth, this may indicate that the nasal passages are blocked, forcing the baby to resort to mouth breathing. The cilia in the nasal cavity help expel microorganisms and dust that are inhaled with the air, while the paranasal sinuses warm the inhaled air. If a baby continues to breathe through the mouth for a long time, it will lose this protective mechanism, increasing the risk of illness. To correct this habit, parents should closely monitor their baby’s breathing method and seek medical assistance when necessary to ensure their baby’s respiratory health.