The Overlooked Routine That Can Transform Your Child’s Breathing
When most people think about hygiene, they think about brushing their teeth or washing their hands. But what about keeping your nose clean? Nasal hygiene is one of the most overlooked yet powerful tools for improving breathing, reducing congestion, and supporting overall health.
At OroGlow, we teach families simple daily habits that make a big difference. Just like we care for the muscles of the mouth with myofunctional therapy, keeping nasal passages clear and healthy is a foundational step for better breathing and wellness.
Why Nasal Hygiene Matters
The nose does so much more than we give it credit for. It filters the air, warms it, humidifies it, and protects the lungs from irritants. When the nose is congested or blocked, children and adults are more likely to mouth breathe—something we know can impact sleep, speech, oral health, and even facial development.
Regular nasal hygiene helps reduce airway resistance by up to 50% (Hanson & Mason, 2003). In some cases, something as simple as blowing the nose correctly can eliminate the mouth-breathing posture.
Daytime Nasal Hygiene Habits
Here are some simple ways to keep the nose clear throughout the day:
Blowing your nose one side at a time – Teach kids to close one nostril gently and blow through the other into a tissue. This prevents too much pressure while still clearing mucus.
Saline rinses – Using a sinus rinse kit (like NeilMed or Xlear) or a neti pot helps flush out allergens, dust, and excess mucus. A homemade solution of distilled water, sea salt, and a pinch of baking soda works too.
Saline sprays – A quick spray keeps the nasal passages moist, especially in dry climates or during allergy season.
Avoiding irritants – Limiting exposure to smoke, strong perfumes, or pollutants reduces inflammation in the nasal lining.
Nighttime Nasal Support
Breathing well at night sets the stage for deep, restorative sleep. Consider adding these nighttime tools:
Nasal strips or dilators – Gentle, drug-free aids that open the nasal passages for better airflow.
Humidifiers – Adding moisture to the bedroom air helps prevent dryness and irritation.
Air purifiers – These reduce allergens like dust and pollen so the air your family breathes is cleaner.
Helping Children Build the Habit
Just like toothbrushing, nasal hygiene is a skill children can learn with guidance. Parents can model nose blowing, make it part of the daily routine, and even use fun videos or reminders. Over time, kids become more independent, and nasal hygiene becomes second nature.
OroGlow’s Approach
At OroGlow, we believe healthy breathing begins with small, intentional habits. Teaching your child (and yourself) to care for their nose every day helps set the stage for stronger immunity, calmer sleep, and improved oral and facial development.
If your child struggles with chronic congestion, mouth breathing, or difficulty clearing their nose, we can guide you with individualized strategies and myofunctional support.
OroGlow Myofunctional & Speech Services in Abilene, TX provides education and therapy for healthy breathing, feeding, and oral habits. Learn why daily nasal hygiene—saline rinses, sprays, humidifiers, and nose-blowing techniques—supports better sleep, reduced congestion, and long-term oral health.