Mouth breathing, a seemingly innocuous habit, can profoundly affect your dental and oral health. While it might seem harmless to breathe through the mouth, especially during intense physical activity or nasal congestion, consistent mouth breathing can lead to various dental and oral health issues.

In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind mouth breathing and its potential consequences on dental health.

Why Do People Mouth Breathe?

There are several reasons why someone might breathe through their mouth rather than their nose:

1. Nasal Obstructions: Conditions like chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, or a deviated septum can make it difficult to breathe through the nose.

2. Allergies: Seasonal allergies can lead to nasal congestion, prompting mouth breathing.

3. Sleep Disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea can cause individuals to breathe through their mouth during sleep.

4. Habit: For some, mouth breathing becomes a habitual pattern, even without obstructions or allergies.

Dental Health Implications of Mouth Breathing

1. Dry Mouth: Breathing through the mouth can dry out the oral cavity. Saliva is crucial in neutralising acids, aiding digestion, and preventing tooth decay. A dry mouth can increase the risk of cavities (tooth decay) as the reduced saliva can't effectively neutralise the acids or wash away food particles.

2. Gum Disease: A dry mouth can also increase the risk of gum disease. Saliva helps in controlling the growth of harmful bacteria. Without it, these bacteria can multiply, leading to gingivitis and, if left untreated, more severe forms of periodontal disease.

3. Tooth Positioning: Chronic mouth breathing in children can affect the position of their teeth and the development of their facial bones. It can lead to an open bite, where the front teeth don't meet when the mouth is closed, or a crossbite, where the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth.

4. Altered Facial Growth: In children, consistent mouth breathing can result in longer faces, less pronounced cheekbones, a recessed chin, and a smaller upper jaw. This is because the tongue, which typically rests against the palate, drops to the floor of the mouth in mouth breathers, leading to a lack of proper support and guidance for the growing upper jaw.

5. Bad Breath: Mouth breathing can lead to halitosis or bad breath. A dry mouth lacks the necessary saliva to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that can cause odour.

6. Increased Risk of Cavities: With the mouth dry and the pH altered, the environment becomes conducive for harmful bacteria to thrive. These bacteria produce acids that can erode the enamel, leading to cavities.

Addressing Mouth Breathing

If you or someone you know is a chronic mouth breather, it's essential to address the root cause:

1. Consult an ENT Specialist: If nasal obstructions are causing mouth breathing, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist can provide solutions.

2. Allergy Management: For those with allergies, managing symptoms can help reduce the need for mouth breathing. This might include medications, lifestyle changes, or avoiding allergens.

3. Orthodontic issues: Some children may mouth breathe due to their jaw and airway not developing optimally. Early intervention with orthodontics can help guide proper jaw development and tooth positioning.

4. Regular Dental Check-ups: Regular visits to the dentist can help in the early detection of any dental issues arising from mouth breathing and ensure they're addressed promptly.

5. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help combat the dryness caused by mouth breathing.

Tips to stop mouth breathing

Here are some tips to help you stop mouth breathing:

1. Nasal Breathing Exercises: Practice breathing through your nose as much as possible. You can try exercises like deliberately taking deep breaths through your nose, holding for a few seconds, and then exhaling slowly through your nose.

2. Clear Nasal Passages: If nasal congestion is the issue, try using saline sprays, nasal decongestants, or steam inhalation to clear your nasal passages.

3. Sleep Position: Sleeping on your back can encourage mouth breathing. Try sleeping on your side or with your head elevated to promote nasal breathing.

4. Mouth Taping: Some people find success with mouth taping at night. This involves placing a small piece of tape like this over the lips to encourage nasal breathing.

5. Regular Exercise: Cardiovascular exercise can improve your breathing technique and lung capacity, making it easier to breathe through your nose.

Remember, while trying these tips, be patient and consistent. Changing a breathing habit can take time and effort. If you have any concerns or the issue persists, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional.

Conclusion

Mouth breathing, while often overlooked, can significantly affect dental health.

The implications are far-reaching, from cavities and gum disease to altered facial growth in children. Recognising the signs and understanding the potential risks is the first step in addressing and preventing the dental health issues associated with mouth breathing.

Regular dental check-ups, addressing underlying causes, and staying informed can help ensure your oral health remains in shape. If you suspect that you or your child is a chronic mouth breather, it's essential to consult with healthcare professionals to determine the best course of action.

If you want to know more about mouth breathing and it’s impact on oral health, you can speak to one of our online dentists by clicking this link here.