Mouth breathing is an inhaling mechanism that bypasses the nasal passages. While blowing our nose can help us rid ourselves of the excess mucus, mouth breathing can have a negative impact on our health. This form of breathing can lead to chronic sinus problems, allergies, snoring, sleep apnea, and stress. Dr. Mingus, a dentist in Bend, Oregon, offers an approach that can help you tackle these issues.
What is Mouth Breathing?
Mouth breathing is when we breathe in and out through our mouth instead of our nose. Although this form of breathing is generally seen as harmless, it does come with many health risks. The risks begin with dry mouth, bad breath, chapped lips, and other symptoms of mild dehydration. In addition, mouth breathers have a higher risk of developing dental problems and other health concerns.
Health Risks of Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing can increase the risk of an allergic reaction. Individuals with chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are especially vulnerable to the negative effects of mouth breathing. When breathing through the mouth, allergens and other pollutants are more likely to enter the body which may increase the risk of exacerbating respiratory problems.
In addition to this, mouth breathing can cause dry mouth, which creates an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. This bacterial growth can lead to bad breath and tooth decay which may lead to the need for a dental procedure. Mouth breathing is also associated with sleep apnea, which is a condition where the airway becomes blocked and causes a person to temporarily stop breathing during sleep. This condition can lead to fatigue, irritability, and daytime sleepiness if not treated properly.
Dr. Mingus’ Approach in Bend, Oregon
Dr. Mingus, a family and cosmetic dentistry practitioner in Bend, Oregon, has created a holistic approach to breathing that aims to rid the body of harmful toxins and help her patients recover from the effects of mouth breathing. This approach involves an Oral Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) treatment plan that encompasses a variety of techniques focusing on restoring normal breathing patterns, reducing stress, reducing tension in the muscles, improving posture, and improving swallowing function. Dr. Mingus’ approach to the issue of mouth breathing aims to provide a safe, non-invasive treatment option that is both beneficial and effective.
Conclusion
Mouth breathing can increase the risk of experiencing health issues such as allergies, sinus infections, dry mouth, bad breath, sleep apnea, and more. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of this breathing issue which makes it take longer for them to get the necessary treatment. Dr. Mingus’ approach is a safe, non-invasive way of treating the issue and helping her patients recover from the negative effects of mouth breathing. If you are in the Bend, Oregon area and are experiencing the negative effects of mouth breathing, consider scheduling an appointment with Dr. Mingus to begin the treatment process.
