Simple strategies and new exercises help to correct mouth breathing
Our daughter can thrive by strengthening her oral and respiratory habits
Every slight improvement adds up over time to something meaningful. For our daughter, Rylae-Ann, who lives with aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency, progress has never come from a single therapy or breakthrough. It’s been a collection of small, intentional steps.
Recently, my wife, Judy, and I have been focused on helping our daughter correct her mouth breathing.
It is not something we are significantly concerned about, but we have always tried to look at the bigger picture. Mouth breathing can contribute to challenges like excessive drooling, delayed speech development, and potential dental and facial problems. By helping Rylae-Ann strengthen her oral and respiratory habits, we hope to give her every chance to thrive.
Breathing exercises
We began with simple breathing exercises. It was essential for Rylae-Ann to learn how to breathe through her nose rather than her mouth. We came up with a playful activity using soft feathers, bubbles, and small cotton balls, where she would try to move them across the table with her breath to practice gentle, controlled breathing, and learn how to take slow inhales through her nose and steady exhales through her mouth.
She found it difficult at first to coordinate the movements, but Judy and I made sure each session felt more like play than therapy. Over time, we noticed that Rylae-Ann became more aware of her breathing, especially during the day.
Oral stimulation and exercises
Because oral motor skills are closely linked to speech and feeding, this was an area with which we were already familiar. Many of the tools we used in speech therapy, such as chew tubes, straws, and tongue exercises, also help strengthen the muscles involved in proper breathing and swallowing.
We continued using these exercises even after her speech improved. Blowing bubbles, drinking through straws of different sizes, and making exaggerated mouth movements during playtime all became part of her daily routine. These activities help her articulate words more clearly, and also build awareness and control of her mouth muscles, which we believe has helped reduce drooling and improved her oral tone.
Sleeping position
Rylae-Ann sleeps on her side and on an elevated pillow to improve her sleep and breathing. (Photo by Richard E. Poulin III)
One of the simplest yet most effective changes we made was to elevate her head while she slept. We noticed that when her head was slightly raised, she seemed to snore less and breathe more quietly. This slight adjustment gave her a more comfortable night’s rest and made mornings smoother.
Better sleep often leads to better energy and focus during the day, and we certainly saw that with Rylae-Ann.
Trying mouth strips
Our latest experiment has been with gentle mouth strips or nasal opening strips. These are designed to encourage nasal breathing during the day. We only use them when Rylae-Ann is comfortable and calm, never forcing the process. Sometimes, she wears them without any problem, but on other occasions, she prefers not to.
It’s a gradual approach, just like everything else we have done. The goal is not perfection, but rather progress. Even minor improvements in how she breathes and manages saliva can have a ripple effect, improving her speech, sleep quality, and overall confidence.
A journey of continuous learning
Judy and I have come to realize that there is no single solution to any one challenge. Instead, progress comes from curiosity, observation, and patience. Each time we find something that helps, even in a small way, it becomes another tool we can use to support Rylae-Ann’s development.
We do not measure success solely by milestones. Sometimes success looks like quieter nights, fewer damp shirts, or hearing Rylae-Ann take a deep, steady breath through her nose. Every small change adds up, and every effort counts. For us, that’s what this journey has always been about: helping our daughter grow stronger, one breath at a time.
Note: AADC News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of AADC News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency.
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