How to Spot the Early Signs of Jaw and Airway Problems

What to look for before braces, before symptoms—even before your child says a word

You don’t have to wait for a diagnosis to know something’s off.

If your child:

• Snores

• Has dark under-eye circles

• Breathes through their mouth

• Struggles to pronounce certain sounds

• Seems constantly tired or fidgety

…it could be a sign of a deeper issue—one that starts with how their mouth and jaw are developing.

The earlier you recognise these signs, the better chance you have to intervene early and naturally, before lifelong patterns are locked in.

Here’s how to spot the red flags—even in toddlers.

The Early, Often Missed Signs

1. Mouth Open at Rest

   • Even a slightly open mouth during the day or night is a red flag.

   • The lips should be sealed, the tongue up, and breathing through the nose.

2. Dark Circles Under Eyes

   • Known as “allergy shiners,” they often point to poor oxygenation and poor-quality sleep.

3. Snoring or Restless Sleep

   • Kids should sleep quietly and still. Snoring, grinding, or tossing are signs of airway struggle.

4. Crowded Baby Teeth

   • Baby teeth should have space between them. Crowding early signals a narrow jaw.

5. Speech Delays or Lisp

   • These may reflect tongue posture issues or oral restrictions like tongue tie.

6. Forward Head Posture

   • Chin juts out or head cranes forward? This posture compresses the airway and shifts jaw growth.

7. Feeding Issues as a Baby

   • Difficulty breastfeeding, frequent choking, reflux, or early food refusal can all point to structural problems.

Why These Signs Matter

Each of these red flags may seem minor on their own. But together, they tell a clear story: the jaw may not be developing properly—and the airway might be compromised.

That means less space for teeth. Less room for the tongue. More chance of mouth breathing, sleep-disordered breathing, and eventually: braces, extractions, or even surgery.

What to Do if You Notice These Signs

1. Start observing—track your child’s sleep, posture, and breathing

2. Encourage nasal breathing during the day

3. Book a myofunctional or airway assessment—even if your child is young

4. Avoid the “wait and see” approach—early action is key

5. Educate yourself on jaw and airway development

Want to Learn the Full Picture?

The Mouth Myth includes:

• A complete breakdown of early signs

• What they mean and where they come from

• What to do next and who to trust

• Bonus: The Airway Health Checklist—free with every copy

📘 Get The Book →
Early awareness = better outcomes. Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse.