Do you find yourself mouth breathing most of the time, even when your nose is not congested? Some people breathe through their mouths naturally and don’t even notice it, but it can actually lead to a number of health issues if it happens too frequently. It can even be a sign of temporomandibular joint disorder, a painful condition that can cause chronic jaw pain and headaches as well as trouble with chewing, sleeping, and even talking.
If you think you may be a nose breather trapped in a mouth breather’s body, don’t worry! There are numerous ways to reverse the habit. The best place to start is with Dr. Kelley Mingus in Bend, Oregon.
The Problems with Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing itself isn’t likely to be a problem on its own, but when it happens too frequently, it can have a number of negative effects on your health. When you breathe through your mouth, your saliva dries out, leaving a sticky film on your teeth called plaque. Plaque, unlike saliva, is full of bacteria that munch away on the enamel of your teeth. As a result, you are left with a greater risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
In addition to oral health problems, mouth breathing can lead to more general health issues. When you breathe through your nose, the nose filters bacteria and particles from entering the respiratory system. When these bacteria and other harmful substances make it to the lungs, an inflammation of the air passages can occur. This can be especially bad for people with asthma.
Treating Mouth Breathing at Home
So, if you think you may be a frequent mouth breather trapped in a nose breather’s body, don’t stress! There are many things you can do from the comfort of your own home to reverse this frustrating habit. The first simple change you can make is to try to put a stop to mouth breathing when you sleep. Nasal strips can often help keep your nasal passages open, making you more likely to breathe through your nose. You should also be mindful of the way you breathe when you are awake and make an effort to primarily breathe through your nose.
Physical exercises can also be helpful. Simple nose-clearing exercises can help open up nasal passages, as can certain yoga-style stretches and breathing exercises. Similarly, a speech pathologist may be able to help you strengthen muscles in your nose to make nose breathing more comfortable. Massages, acupuncture, chewing gum, and even playing instruments like the trumpet can help train your respiratory system to prioritize nose breathing.
Dr. Kelley Mingus in Bend
Of course, for some people, gentle remedies just aren’t enough to break the stubborn habit of mouth breathing. In these cases, it may be time to seek professional help, and that’s where Dr. Mingus can really be of use.
Dr. Mingus is a dentist and TMJD specialist with practices in Bend, Oregon. TMJD, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is a joint and muscle dysfunction that can cause jaw pain, stiffness, ear pain, and even migraines. While the cause of TMJD is a bit of a mystery, many people believe that mouth breathing can put stress on these joints and muscle systems, so reversing the habit can often help reduce TMJD pain.
Dr. Mingus has a number of therapies and treatments that can help reverse the habit of mouth breathing while also treating the symptoms of TMJD.
Get Help for Your Mouth Breathing and TMJD in Bend
If you are concerned about your mouth breathing or if you suffer from symptoms of TMJD, it is time to contact Dr. Mingus in Bend, Oregon. He can provide a variety of treatments, including oral appliances designed to help you breathe naturally through your nose and releive your TMJD symptoms. Call Dr. Mingus’ office today for an appointment.
