UPDATED: My son's mouth is often ajar which makes me think he is breathing through his mouth instead of his nose. When he has a pacifier, he seems to breathe through his nose just fine... does this mean he's just CHOOSING to breathe through his mouth, not that he HAS to? I've heard that mouth-breathing can be pretty bad to the health so I'm concerned...should I talk to the dr about this? Is it common for toddlers to just have their mouths open a lot?
You may want to have his adenoids and tonsils checked. If he is opening his mouth, that might be reason he cannot breathe, might have sleep apnea, even though he is ok with his pacifier during the day time.
yes have the dr check it out.
Does he eat and drink okay? If so, perhaps he is choosing to breathe thru the mouth. But it could be that there's another problem that we (regular non-doctors) can't see, like some sort of blockage. Maybe he's allergic to something else in additon to dust and dogs.
You don't say how old your son is but I assume 2-3. If so, seems very normal to me. My oldest daughter was like that and drooled for I forget how long because of it. It drove me crazy and I think I worried some but she outgrew it and is totally fine now. I think my younger also did it. I think it has to do with mouth structure sometimes. I had braces but still have somewhat of an overbite so often don't close my mouth entirely. If he CAN breath through his nose, I'd mention it to your dr at the next appt but wouldn't bother with a special appt.
