Mouth Breathing in Calgary SW
Mouth Breathing
Nasal breathing is the way the human body was designed to breathe – it filters, warms, and humidifies air before it reaches the lungs, and produces nitric oxide that supports cardiovascular and immune function. Chronic mouth breathing – particularly in children – can affect jaw development, airway health, sleep quality, and even facial structure over time. At Westside, we assess and treat mouth breathing at its root causes.
How we treat it: Myofunctional therapy retrains the tongue, lip, and facial muscles to support nasal breathing – through a personalised series of exercises that address the underlying muscular habits. For children, early intervention can prevent the dental and structural consequences of long-term mouth breathing. Tongue tie is a common contributing cause – if present, laser frenectomy is recommended before myofunctional therapy begins.
This care is provided on the medical side of Westside under Dr. Sabah Jarullah, family physician. Every patient begins with a medical assessment; insured visits are covered under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. No referral needed.
How Westside helps with mouth breathing
Sleep and airway concerns at Westside begin with a physician sleep assessment and, where indicated, a one-night home sleep test reviewed by our sleep team and Dr. Sabah Jarullah. Treatment options include custom oral appliances made from 3D imaging, CPAP alternatives, myofunctional therapy and Solea Sleep laser treatment for snoring.
We are in West Springs, Calgary SW – Suite 1120, 930 – 85th Street SW – serving Aspen Woods, Cougar Ridge, Springbank and the surrounding communities.
Related Services
Related Conditions
Children and sleep – from age 2
We assess children from age 2. Snoring, mouth breathing, restless sleep, bedwetting and daytime behaviour changes can all point to sleep-disordered breathing, and the earlier it is found the simpler it is to help. After a physician assessment with Dr. Sabah Jarullah and a dental airway exam with Dr. Zubaida Hussain, options for children include laser frenectomy for tongue- or lip-tie, myofunctional therapy, growth-guiding myofunctional appliances such as Myobrace® and Myosa® (different from the adult oral appliance), palatal expansion and other adjunctive therapies – with a home sleep test where appropriate.
Questions we hear about mouth breathing
Do I need a referral?
No. In Alberta, sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a physician – our family physician reviews every test and meets you to discuss the results.
Is sleep testing covered?
Physician sleep assessments are insured under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan; any private costs for testing or appliances are explained before you book.
What if I cannot tolerate CPAP?
A custom oral appliance is a comfortable, portable alternative for many patients, and Solea Sleep can reduce snoring without apnea.
Content reviewed by Dr. Zubaida Hussain, dentist, and Dr. Sabah Jarullah, family physician, at Westside, West Springs, Calgary SW — last reviewed September 2026. Educational information only; it does not replace an assessment with your provider.
Contact us
Westside Is Here for You
Looking for a clinic in southwest Calgary that treats you as a whole person? Whether you're booking your first visit, asking a question, or referring a friend, we'd love to hear from you. Share your details below and our West Springs area team will get back to you with care and clarity.
We look forward to helping you smile with confidence.
Book online