Do you find yourself waking up with a dry mouth in the morning? Do you have trouble breathing through your nose? The cause of these symptoms, without a doubt, could be due to mouth breathing. As strange as it may sound, breathing through your mouth is not as harmless as it seems.
In many cases, mouth breathing leads to a number of negative long-term health implications. That’s right, if you can’t breathe through your nose adequately, you may be prone to developing certain conditions which can disrupt your overall well-being. So, in this article, we’re going to delve into the causes, effects, and solutions for mouth breathing, including how its harm can be avoided.
What Causes Mouth Breathing?
The two most common causes of mouth breathing are nasal congestion and an abnormality in the nasal septum. The nasal septum is the wall of cartilage that divides the two nasal passages. If the septum is off-center, or deviated, you may experience chronic nasal obstruction which will likely result in mouth breathing. Other causes include nasopharyngeal abnormalities, allergic reactions, and inflammation.
Health Effects of Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing can lead to a number of short-term and long-term health issues, particularly when it happens in children. One of the most problematic conseqeunces of mouth breathing in kids is obstructive sleep apnea. This can lead to behavioral issues, fatigue, and even learning difficulties, as a child’s brain cannot function optimally when deprived of necessary oxygen during sleep.
In adults, mouth breathing can lead to irritations in the throat and mouth, increased frequency and severity of asthma attacks, and an increased frequency of respiratory infections. Mouth breathers are also more prone to bad breath as well as dental and periodontal issues as they have insufficient saliva production.
How to Prevent Mouth Breathing
Facing the many possible health consequences of mouth breathing, it’s important to make the necessary changes to try and prevent it. It’s always best to start by identifying and addressing the underlying causes. Schedule an appointment to see an ear, nose and throat specialist and discuss your symptoms. This is the best way to find the right diagnosis and the appropriate treatment plan.
For some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to address nasopharyngeal abnormalities and nasal septal defects. On the other hand, the majority of cases can be addressed with conservative treatment such as antileukotriene agents or immunotherapy to manage nasal inflammation and allergies. It’s also recommended to keep your nasal passages clear by using saline nasal spray, oral decongestants, and nasal strips to maintain optimal nasal air flow.
Conclusion
Mouth breathing is not quite as harmless as it seems. If you or someone you know is exhibiting symptoms of mouth breathing, it’s worth looking further into the issue. Understanding the underlying causes of mouth breathing will aid in finding the appropriate treatment and prevention. And, by taking a proactive approach to address this issue now, you may be avoiding significant long-term health consequences in the future.
