Are you a mouth breather? Do you constantly find yourself breathing heavily through your mouth without realizing it? If you are, it can be the result of several underlying issues. Mouth breathing can be a sign of a number of different health problems, from allergies to sinusitis to wisdom teeth extraction. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to help you stop mouth breathing and breathe better, as well as preventing some of the issues that can result from it. Below, we’ll take a look at what mouth breathing is, some of the causes of it, and steps you can take to stop it.
What is Mouth Breathing?
Mouth breathing is the act of taking in air through the mouth rather than the nose. It’s very common, and many people of all ages and all walks of life breathe through their mouths naturally. While most people breathe through their mouths when they sleep, in some cases, chronic mouth breathing can have some long-term effects on overall health. This is because the body takes in a lot less air when breathing through the mouth than when breathing through the nose, and over time, this can lead to several health issues.
What Causes Mouth Breathing?
There are a number of issues that can cause mouth breathing. Some of them are temporary and can be easily managed, while others are more serious. Respiratory illness, such as colds, asthma, and bronchitis, can cause temporary mouth breathing, as can allergies, sinusitis, and even stress or anxiety. Respiratory illness can also result from a number of lifestyle choices, as well, such as smoking, lack of sleep, and poor dietary choices.
In more serious cases, such as cleft palate, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or a lack of normal jaw development, in certain cases, mouth breathing may be a sign of a chronic health issue that requires medical treatment. Sometimes, even dental issues, such as having teeth extracted or wisdom teeth that become impacted, can lead to mouth breathing.
How to Stop Mouth Breathing
If you’re a mouth breather and you’re wondering how to get control of the problem, you’re in luck: in many cases, there are several things you can do to help stop mouth breathing altogether. One of the first things you can do is take measures to reduce the amount of dust, pollen, and other allergens in your home. These allergens can be significant triggers for mouth breathing, especially in children.
In addition, it can be beneficial to practice breathing through the nose. You can do this by doing a few simple breathing exercises several times a day. Try to gently close your mouth and breathe as deeply through your nose as possible. Make sure you are sitting or standing up straight with good posture. You can also try using a nasal spray or nasal decongestant to help open up your nasal passages.
In some instances, it may be beneficial to see a doctor or dentist for additional treatment. Those who have chronic mouth breathing may be suffering from an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed, such as a deviated septum, enlarged tonsils, or a dental issue. These can sometimes be treated with surgery, medication, or dental work to help alleviate the symptoms of chronic mouth breathing.
Precautions for Mouth Breathing
There are some additional things to be aware of if you’re a chronic mouth breather. Frequent mouth breathing can lead to a dry mouth and throat, which can make sleeping and swallowing significantly more difficult. In addition, it can also increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Both of these symptoms should be talked about with a doctor or dentist as soon as possible. You might also want to use a humidifier for your bed to keep the air in your room at the proper level.
Conclusion
Mouth breathing can be a sign of a number of health issues, from respiratory illness to dental issues to chronic health problems. It’s very common, but it can be quite uncomfortable, and it can lead to other health issues if not addressed properly. The good news is that there are several steps you can take to help prevent and stop mouth breathing. Practice good breathing habits, take measures to reduce allergens in your home, and consider seeing a doctor or dentist for additional treatment if necessary. With proper care, you can stop mouth breathing and enjoy the benefits of better breathing overall.
