Interdisciplinary myofunctional rehabilitation in a mouth-breathing patient

Abstract

Mouth breathing is a common dysfunction in childhood, with significant implications for craniofacial development, posture, and fundamental oral functions. We present the case of a 12-year-old male patient with chronic mouth breathing, lip incompetence, perioral and cervical hypotonia, forward head posture, skeletal Class II malocclusion, and atypical swallowing. An interdisciplinary evaluation revealed mandibular compression, mandibular retrusion, and associated symptoms such as nocturnal snoring, daytime sleepiness, and audible chewing.A comprehensive treatment plan was implemented, including the use of a Trainer II intraoral appliance, myofunctional therapy to reeducate respiratory and swallowing patterns, and kinesiology for postural correction. After one month, spontaneous lip closure, improved posture, and a reduction in both respiratory and masticatory symptoms were observed. Notably, the patient demonstrated high family adherence and a progressive integration of functional habits.This case underscores the positive impact of early interdisciplinary intervention in the management of mouth breathing, highlighting the importance of collaborative care and family involvement.