Did you know that it is not normal to breathe through your mouth? Mouth breathing can be detrimental to your health for several reasons, especially when it becomes a habit. If you find yourself or your child breathing through your mouth often, especially at night, it may be a good idea to have an evaluation that can help identify any underlying issues as mouth breathing can lead to several dental and breathing related issues and it can, in fact, be a sign of bigger problems. Here are seven ways that mouth breathing can have a negative effect on your health.
Bad Breath! Dry Mouth and Increased Risk of Cavities - When you breathe through your mouth, your saliva evaporates more quickly, leading to a dry mouth. Saliva plays a crucial role in protecting your teeth from cavities, as it helps neutralize acids and wash away food particles and bacteria. A dry mouth can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Impaired Breathing Function - Breathing through the nose has several advantages over mouth breathing, including filtration, warming, and humidification of the air. Your nose also produces nitric oxide, which helps with the efficient delivery of oxygen to your lungs and enhances immune function. Mouth breathing bypasses these benefits, making it less effective and potentially more harmful in the long term.
Increased Risk of Respiratory Issues - Nasal breathing helps filter out dust, allergens, and pathogens, preventing them from reaching your lungs. Mouth breathing, on the other hand, doesn’t offer this protection, increasing the chances of inhaling irritants and pathogens. Over time, this can contribute to respiratory issues, including asthma, bronchitis, and frequent infections.
Posture and Jaw Development Issues - Chronic mouth breathing can negatively affect your posture and facial development, particularly in children. It can lead to improper tongue posture, which can affect the alignment of the teeth and jaw. This can result in issues like open bites (front teeth do not touch one another), overbites, underbites, and even changes in facial appearance over time. In some cases, it can contribute to conditions like "long face syndrome," where the face appears elongated due to the constant downward posture of the lower jaw and tongue.
Sleep Disturbances & Snoring - Are you drowsy during the day with no explanation? Do you snore loudly or wake up breathless in the middle of the night? If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be one of more than 12 million Americans who are affected by sleep apnea. Mouth breathing during sleep can cause snoring, and in more severe cases, it can contribute to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The lack of proper airflow through the nose can cause the airway to collapse, leading to breathing interruptions during sleep and poor-quality rest.
Lower Oxygen Intake - Breathing through the nose ensures a more controlled, efficient intake of oxygen. It allows for deeper breaths, which can increase oxygen absorption. Mouth breathing, especially if it’s shallow, may not deliver as much oxygen to the body, which can lead to feelings of fatigue and decreased performance during physical activity.
Worsening of Allergies or Sinus Issues - People who breathe through their mouth may be more prone to developing sinus issues or exacerbating existing allergies. The nose acts as a filter for allergens, and when you bypass it by breathing through the mouth, you expose your respiratory system to more irritants.The nose has natural defense mechanisms like mucus and cilia that help trap and remove harmful particles, protecting your body from infections. Mouth breathing bypasses these protective features, making it easier for pathogens to enter the body and cause illnesses.
An evaluation from an orthodontist may help! When anatomical variations are present in the nasal passageway, jaw structure, or tongue posture, improper breathing or sleep disturbances can develop. An airway consultation can help identify potential issues and help treat the palate and jaw to restore proper healthy breathing through the nose. Call Holt Orthodontics, 303-798-0928, now for your complimentary consultation and see how we can help.
