Why Is Mouth Breathing Bad For You?

In little kids, it’s downright adorable - the open mouth, the closed eyes, the seemingly peaceful rest - but there are many reasons why mouth breathing is a problem that can lead to bigger issues if left unchecked! Humans are meant to breathe through their noses; the nose is specifically designed to humidify air, trap foreign particles, and filter air as it enters our system. So what then happens when we mouth breathe?

• Dry Mouth - which can lead to dehydration, increased oral bacteria, higher risk of cavities and gum disease

• Tooth Decay - related to the above, mouth breathing increases the bacteria in the mouth and decreases the helpful saliva that nullifies it, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay

• Reduced Oxygen Intake- by bypassing the nose, we miss nasal nitric oxide, which leads to a dramatic loss of CO₂ in the lungs. This in turns leads to a form of hyperventilation where our bloodstream reduces oxygen delivery to the cells, leading to reduced overall oxygenation.

• Increased risk of respiratory infections- due to the air not being properly filtered and humidified in the nose before entering your system

• Poor Facial Development- in children, chronic mouth breathing can lead to malformations such as narrowing of the jaw, overbite, longer face, or small chin

• Reduced Sleep Quality- poor oxygen uptake and dry mouth can impact sleep quality, leading to fatigue, trouble concentrating, and learning difficulties in children

• Increased Risk of Snoring and Sleep Apnea

How do I know if I mouth breathe when I sleep?

As with snoring and sleep apnea, sometimes it helps to rely on another set of eyes to determine if you are mouth breathing. Absent that, some signs that you may be mouth breathing during sleep include:

• Chronic nasal congestion

• Restless sleep

• Trouble breathing through your nose

• Waking up with a sore throat

• Frequent dental problems

• Trouble concentrating/daytime sleepiness

What causes mouth breathing?

There are different culprits when it comes to mouth breathing. Some of the most common are:

• Enlarged adenoids or tonsils

• Anatomic malformations

• Chronic nasal congestion

• Nasyl polyps

• Sleep apnea

What can I do to fix my mouth breathing?

The solution here is quite dependent on the cause. First and foremost, we’d recommend an evaluation by an airway specialist or ENT to determine the root cause of your mouth breathing. From there, some options may include:

• Adenoid removal or tonsillectomy

• Allergy medication to reduce nasal congestion

• Mandibular advancement device to address sleep apnea

• Myofunctional therapy to retrain muscles and reduce the mouth breathing habit

• Breathwork to help re-train your nose to work as it should

Are you concerned you may be a mouth breather? Talk to us today!