There is also much documented evidence showing that it results in poor development of the face and airways, thereby increasing the risk of lifelong sleep apnea. A mouth-breather carries the tongue in a low downward position, creating an airspace which allows the person to breathe more freely. This low resting posture of the tongue not only creates an abnormal swallow, but will also contribute to many unrelated ailments along with underdeveloped jaws, a collapsed palate (also known as a high vaulted palate), and increased facial vertical dimension (characterized as ‘long face syndrome’) which restricts the upper nasal airways.
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