Mouth breathing is something you might never give a second thought to, after all, everyone does it, right? It’s true that breathing through your mouth is a common habit, but it can also be a sign of a more serious underlying issue. Long-term mouth breathing can have negative consequences on both the health and social lives of individuals. If you find yourself breathing through your mouth more often than not, it’s worth finding out what may be the cause and how to address it.
The Impact on Health
Mouth breathing can cause a variety of health issues. When you breathe through your mouth, you bypass the body’s natural air filtration system – the nose. This allows pollutants and allergens to enter the respiratory system, setting the stage for upper respiratory conditions such as coughing, wheezing, asthma, and chronic sinus infections. Many studies have also shown a correlation between mouth breathing and sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, noisy breathing, and snoring.
Children who mouth breathe can face more serious side effects. In addition to upper respiratory issues, chronic mouth breathing can result in growth disturbances, an abnormal bite, and changes in facial structure and development. A study published in the journal “Cranio: The Journal of Craniomandibular & Sleep Practice” found that children who breathed through their mouth had significantly lower oxygen saturation levels than nasal breathers, which can lead to impaired brain development. Varied jaw development and poor tongue posture can also occur in children who habitually breathe through their mouths as a result of lower tongue and jaw posture.
The Social and Psychological Impact
Far beyond the health implications, mouth breathing can have an impact on an individual’s social and psychological wellbeing. A person who breathes through their mouth may be more prone to halitosis, or bad breath, as the mouth cannot filter and clean the air in the same way as nasal breathing. This can lead to social isolation and reduced self-esteem as a result.
Mouth breathing can also have an impact on a person’s cognitive functioning. Less oxygen in the body can lead to decreased attention and memory, as well as a shortened attention span. This can negatively impact a child’s school performance and lead to behavior issues.
The Causes of Mouth Breathing
There are several potential factors that can contribute to the habit of breathing through the mouth. Some of the most common reasons include: allergies and other nasal obstructions, a deviated septum, enlarged tonsils and adenoids, and poor oral habits such as thumb-sucking or prolonged pacifier use. Stress and anxiety can also contribute, as can habit.
Treating and Preventing Mouth Breathing
If mouth breathing is caused by an underlying condition such as allergies or enlarged tonsils, addressing those conditions can help stop the habit. Airway hygiene is also important in preventing mouth breathing. This includes regular handwashing and changing pillowcases regularly. Additionally, practicing healthy oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing can help minimize the impact of mouth breathing on the teeth and gums.
Learning how to breathe through the nose can also be helpful for those who habitually breathe through their mouths. Nasal breathing can help with anxiety, and can also help improve posture. Learning how to breathe through the nose can be as simple as reminding oneself to do so, or as complex as engaging in breathing exercises to train the body to breathe through the nose.
In Conclusion:
Mouth breathing is a habit that many people may engage in without even realizing it. Not only can it cause a variety of health issues, but it can also impact an individual’s social and cognitive functioning. Identifying the root cause of mouth breathing and making efforts to reverse the habit can have a positive impact on an individual’s overall wellbeing. If you or a loved one are engaging in this habit, it’s worth exploring the various ways that it can be treated and prevented.
