Mouth Breathing
Noses are for breathing, mouths are for eating! Our bodies were designed for nasal breathing. However, due to changes in our environment, diets and lifestyle, mouth breathing is becoming more and more common among children and adults. This can become a life-long habit if not corrected and can lead to adverse health and oral problems.
What Causes Mouth Breathing?
allergies and/or food sensitivities
chronic nasal congestion
enlarged tonsils or adenoids
thumb/pacifier sucking
deviated septum
asthma
How Does Mouth Breathing Affect Your Health?
Untreated mouth breathing may cause a number of undesirable overall and oral health effects such as:
Changes to facial growth and development
Crooked teeth
Orthodontic relapse or longer time spent in braces
Snoring/Obstructive Sleep Apnea
ADD/ADHD
Chronic Fatigue
Poor concentration
Bad breath/Gingivitis
Increased risk of cavities
Enlarged tonsils
Digestive problems: acid reflux, gas, indigestion
How Can Mouth Breathing be Treated?
Mouth breathing may seem like an easy habit to correct. Unfortunately, for adults and children who struggle with chronic mouth breathing, it is not as easy as saying “close your mouth and breathe through your nose.” The muscles of the face and mouth have compensated and learned to work incorrectly and new patterns must be taught.
Through Myofunctional Therapy and breathing re-training, we can help you to rehabilitate your oral and facial muscles to stop breathing through your mouth and develop consistent nasal breathing. When you are able to shift from mouth breathing to nasal breathing, the changes to your health and quality of life can be dramatic.
Contact us today and make the change to nasal breathing!