Mouth breathing is something we all do now and again, but if you or anyone you know mouth breaths the majority of their day, it could be more than just a habit. Mouth breathing can be a sign of a number of medical issues, including temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJD, according to Bend, Oregon-based dentist Dr. Kelley Mingus.
Mouth breathing can lead to a number of dental and overall health problems, so it’s important to think about what is causing it and what it might indicate – especially if it’s occurring consistently. If you or a loved one is mouth breathing often, here are some reasons to consider seeing a dentist to rule out TMJD and other health problems.
What Is Mouth Breathing?
Mouth breathing refers to breathing through the mouth instead of the nose. Mouth breathing can occur while you’re awake or during sleep, and it might indicate several different health problems. If you mouth breath frequently, it could be a sign of allergies or a chronic breathing disorder like asthma.
However, mouth breathing could also be a sign that something might be wrong with the mouth itself. TMJD, a condition in which there is pain and reduced movement in the temporomandibular joint, is a common dental condition that can result in mouth breathing.
What Is TMJD?
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connects the mandible (lower jaw) with the temporal bone of the skull. This joint is used for jaw movement, and if it is being overused or is inflamed or damaged, it can result in TMJD.
TMJD can cause a wide range of symptoms, including chronic headaches, earaches, clicking or popping noises when eating or talking, muscle pain around the jaw area, a change in how the teeth fit together, and a sore jaw in the morning. If left untreated, TMJD can also result in mouth breathing, as the jaw is unable to close and air can only come in through the mouth.
Could TMJD Be Causing Mouth Breathing?
If TMJD is causing mouth breathing, you would probably notice some other symptoms of TMJD, such as chronic headaches or a clicking or popping in the jaw. However, if you notice that you’re mouth breathing more frequently and it is combined with other TMJD symptoms, especially other dental health issues, it may be worthwhile to visit a dentist to make sure that TMJD is not the issue.
If it is TMJD, your dentist will offer you a treatment plan to help you manage the condition. TMJD treatment will differ depending on the individual, but generally treatment involves managing the pain and symptoms and decreasing excessive stress on the jaw, such as clenching or grinding.
Treating TMJD and Mouth Breathing
If TMJD is causing mouth breathing, the first step is to identify the source of the problem and develop a treatment plan. Your dentist will first conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including collecting a detailed medical history; taking a complete health history; assessing the jaw joint, facial muscles, and teeth; and possibly taking radiographic films. All this information combined will help the dentist accurately diagnose the cause of the problem and develop a personalized treatment plan for you.
Depending on the severity of the TMJD, your dentist may recommend different treatment options to help manage the condition and keep you from mouth breathing. This might include physical therapy, prescription or over-the-counter pain medications, orthodontic treatments, or even surgery in severe cases. The goal of these treatments is to help the jaw joint heal properly, as well as prevent and treat the symptoms associated with TMJD.
Preventing TMJD and Mouth Breathing
Once your dentist has helped you treat TMJD, he or she can also help you develop a plan to prevent a relapse of the condition. This might include regular dental checkups and cleanings, as well as helping you to identify and manage any stress that might be exacerbating the condition.
Additionally, if you or your child is a habitual mouth breather, this can be a sign of other dental or health problems. If this is the case, it’s important to visit the dentist to help identify the cause of your mouth breathing and develop a plan to help you and your child in the future.
Mouth breathing can be a sign of TMJD and other dental health issues, so it’s important to take the time to figure out what might be behind it. If you or a loved one is mouth breathing frequently, visit Bend, Oregon-based dentist Dr. Kelley Mingus and start the conversation about how to best treat and prevent the symptoms of TMJD.
