Mouth breathing is often thought of as a simple habit or preference, but the widespread prevalence of the habit, particularly in children, teens and adults with allergies or other respiratory conditions, has led to researchers and medical professionals highlighting the potential health consequences. Mouth breathing is not just about how a person looks, but how they are breathing, and it can have serious effects on their health.
So, what does it mean to breathe through the mouth? Most individuals breathe through their nose when they are relaxed, but when they are working or exerting themselves, they tend to breathe through their mouth. However, mouth breathing is more intense and can be caused by chronic congestion, allergic reactions, choking, or deviated septum, and it can be a sign of an underlying health issue.
Chronic Mouth Breathing and its Impact on Health
Chronic mouth breathing can cause a variety of health issues, including the following:
- Worsened Dental Health. Even adults who breathe through their mouths can suffer from dental issues, including cavities, dry mouth and bad breath. These problems can only get worse over time if the mouth breathing habit is not addressed. Research has even found that mouth breathers are more prone to periodontal disease, which is the breakdown of the gums and underlying bone. This can lead to tooth loss.
- Reduced Blood Oxygen Levels. When mouth breathing, a reduced amount of oxygen is available in the blood because the nasal passages are not functioning to effectively filter the air. This can cause the muscles to become weak and fatigued more quickly and can also result in sluggish cognitive function.
- Negative Impact on Development. When children breathe through their mouths, it can slow down the proper development of the facial structures and growing teeth. This can also cause other issues, such as reduced brain function and impaired learning and attention. Research has found that the earlier the problem is corrected, the faster and more effectively the facial structures and brain function can develop.
- Sleep Problems. Mouth breathing has been linked to obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. Both conditions can have serious health consequences, including an increased risk of stroke and heart attack.
- Behavioral Issues. As research has shown, when an individual breathes through their mouth, the brain stem doesn’t get the stimuli it needs to properly regulate body functions and behavior. This can lead to anxiety, depression, and other behavioral problems.
- Ear, Nose and Throat Infections. Among mouth breathers, particularly those with allergies or another respiratory condition, are prone to infections in the ears, sinuses and throat. As a result of increased susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections, these individuals are more likely to miss work or school and suffer from fatigue and irritability.
3 Ways to Address Mouth Breathing
The following are three techniques that may help individuals address their chronic mouth breathing:
Habit Correction
The first step in addressing chronic mouth breathing is becoming aware of the habit and working to correct it. The individual should be aware of when they are breathing through their mouth and make an effort to switch to nasal breathing. Over time, this can help the nose and nasal passages become stronger and more efficient. In some cases, an individual may need to train themselves to breathe properly during the day to strengthen the nose and clear the sinuses.
Address Underlying Conditions
For individuals who have an underlying reason for their chronic mouth breathing, such as allergies, deviated septum, or chronic congestion, an appointment with a doctor or allergist is necessary. An allergist or pediatrician can administer a test to identify the allergens and develop a solution to reduce the symptoms. This may include the use of antihistamines, nasal sprays or prescription medication.
In some cases, the doctor may recommend surgery to correct the underlying condition. For example, a deviated septum may be the result of a head or facial trauma and may need to be surgically repaired to allow for better breathing.
Sleep Study
If an individual is dealing with chronic mouth breathing, especially if it is accompanied by snoring or obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep study may be necessary. A sleep study is used to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea and to determine the appropriate treatment. The results of the sleep study are reviewed by a pulmonologist or internist, who can prescribe the appropriate treatment and make recommendations for further evaluation.
Conclusion
Mouth breathing may seem like an innocuous habit or preference, but it can cause a myriad of health problems, especially when it is chronic. It is important to address chronic mouth breathing, to prevent further complications. In some cases, the underlying issue may need to be treated or corrected in order to solve the problem. In other cases, hiring a professional to help correct the mouth breathing habit may be necessary. Regardless, the benefits of proper breathing are clear and proper treatment can help improve overall health.
