How Mouth Breathing Impacts Overall Health: What You Need to Know
Did you know that the way we breathe can affect our health in surprising ways? Mouth breathing, while sometimes necessary (like when we’re congested), can have lasting consequences when it becomes a habit. From disrupted sleep to changes in facial development, mouth breathing impacts us from head to toe—particularly for growing kids. Let’s dive into the reasons why mouth breathing matters, the impact it can have on health, and practical ways to encourage healthier breathing habits.
Why Mouth Breathing Happens
There are various reasons why people default to breathing through their mouths. Some common causes include:
Nasal Congestion: Allergies, colds, or chronic nasal obstruction can make mouth breathing necessary.
Deviated Septum or Enlarged Adenoids/Tonsils: Physical barriers in the nasal passages may encourage mouth breathing.
Habit: For some children and adults, mouth breathing becomes habitual over time and persists even after nasal obstructions are resolved.
Understanding these causes helps us address mouth breathing effectively, but it’s crucial to know why it’s worth addressing in the first place.
The Health Impacts of Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing may seem harmless, but it has some significant impacts on overall health:
Sleep Disruptions and Fatigue Mouth breathing can contribute to poor-quality sleep, snoring, and even sleep apnea. Without proper nasal breathing, the airway can collapse more easily, making it harder to get the deep, restful sleep that’s crucial for energy, focus, and mood. Children who mouth-breathe at night may experience issues with daytime behavior, attention, and school performance.
Oral Health Issues Breathing through the mouth reduces saliva flow, leading to dry mouth, which increases the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Over time, chronic mouth breathing can also lead to higher oral acidity, contributing to dental decay.
Dental and Facial Development in Children When children mouth-breathe consistently, it affects the development of their jaw and facial structure. The tongue, which normally rests against the roof of the mouth, supports the upper palate's development. When this doesn’t happen, children may develop a longer, narrower face, crowded teeth, or a misaligned bite, increasing the need for orthodontic treatment.
Reduced Oxygen Levels Nasal breathing allows the body to filter and warm the air before it enters the lungs, providing better oxygenation. Mouth breathing bypasses this filtration system, potentially lowering oxygen levels in the blood and impacting concentration, energy, and overall health.
Simple Ways to Transition to Nasal Breathing
If you or your child are habitually mouth breathing, there are practical steps you can take to encourage healthier nasal breathing patterns:
Nasal Hygiene: Keep nasal passages clear with saline sprays or gentle suction for children. Address any allergies or chronic congestion with a healthcare provider’s guidance.
Myofunctional Therapy: Myofunctional therapy involves exercises to strengthen and retrain the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat, promoting proper tongue posture and nasal breathing. This therapy can be highly effective in reducing mouth breathing and its associated impacts.
Oral Rest Posture: Correct oral rest posture—lips closed, tongue resting on the roof of the mouth, and teeth slightly apart—can be practiced daily. Creating reminders can help make this posture a habit over time.
Seek Professional Evaluation: In some cases, anatomical issues like a deviated septum or enlarged tonsils may need intervention. Consulting with an ENT specialist or pediatrician can help determine if medical intervention is needed.
Mindful Breathing Practices: Encouraging breathing exercises that focus on nasal inhalation and exhalation can help establish nasal breathing as the default. Yoga and other mindfulness practices can be particularly helpful.
Conclusion: Small Changes, Big Impact
Breathing is something we often take for granted, but the difference between nasal and mouth breathing is significant. By fostering nasal breathing habits early on, we can help kids avoid many of the negative health impacts associated with mouth breathing. Adults, too, can benefit from shifting to nasal breathing, improving sleep quality, oral health, and overall well-being.
Interested in learning more? Connect with us to see how myofunctional therapy can help support nasal breathing for you or your child!
