Are you or someone you know often suffering from mouth breathing? Most of us don’t give it much thought, but if it’s persistent, it can have a large impact on your overall health. In this article, we’ll discuss why people breathe through their mouths, the causes of mouth breathing, and the health impacts it may have.
Why Do People Breathe Through Their Mouths?
Mouth breathing happens when an individual breathes primarily through their mouth instead of their nose. This is common for people who have chronic nasal congestion, a deviated septum, a narrow palate, or a larger than normal tongue.
Mouth breathing typically produces dryness around the mouth, red and swollen gums, and a more noticeable amount of drool. It can result in bad breath or develop into chronic sinusitis. In addition, mouth breathers can appear to have a smaller jaw, or their chin and nose may be less developed.
The Causes of Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing can be caused by a variety of factors, both temporary and chronic. Some common causes include:
Sinus Infections: When the sinuses are swollen and filled with mucus, a person has trouble breathing through their nose. This forces them to breathe through their mouth.
Allergies: Many common allergens, such as cat dander, pollen, and dust mites, can clog the nose. When allergies flare up, sinuses swell and mouth breathing becomes a necessary alternative.
Large Tonsils or Adenoids: The adenoids are a mass of lymphatic tissue located in the upper part of the throat, behind the nose. These, alongside the tonsils, help protect young children by filtering out germs and fighting infections. When they become enlarged, they can block the airway and lead to mouth breathing.
Chronic Rhinitis: In some individuals, nasal passages are constantly inflamed due to an infection. This chronic swelling prevents one from breathing properly through their nose.
Deviated Septum: A deviated septum can create an uneven airflow from one nostril to the other. This can make it feel as though the nose is always blocked.
Narrow Palate: Mouth breathing can be the result of a narrow palate, which is often present from birth. The narrow palate restricts the size of the airway and may make it difficult to breathe through the nose, even when not congested.
Larger Than Normal Tongue: Some individuals have tongues that are larger than average. In these cases, the tongue can clog the mouth, preventing nasal breathing.
Health Impacts of Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing affects the entire body, not just the respiratory system. Over time, children and adults who breathe through their mouths instead of their noses may suffer from dental issues, poor oral health, and even development problems.
Dental Issues: Chronic mouth breathing can affect a person’s bite alignment and lead to crowding of the teeth. As the mouth cannot easily close, the tongue’s resting position may move towards the front of the mouth instead of the roof. This causes the teeth to become misaligned, resulting in an overbite or underbite.
Oral Health: Mouth breathing may also contribute to bad breath, dry mouth, and increased cavities over time. When someone breathes through their mouth, less saliva is produced which leads to less protection from bacteria.
Development Problems: In growing children, mouth breathing may result in developmental problems. The mouth breathing posture can affect the position of both the lower and upper jaw. In some severe cases, mouth breathing may contribute to the development of a high arched palate and a longer, thinner face.
Conclusion
Mouth breathing can be the result of a variety of factors ranging from allergies to a deviated septum. In some cases, it can even lead to dental and developmental problems. If you or someone you know is suffering from chronic mouth breathing, it is advisable to discuss the issue with a healthcare professional. Understanding the causes of mouth breathing and the potential impacts on health is the first step towards finding a solution.