Mouth Breathing

DOES IT MATTER IF I AM A MOUTHBREATHER?

The oxygen needed in our lungs can reach there either by the nose or through the mouth. Occasional breathing through the mouth due to nasal congestion or during strenuous exercise is normal but a predominant breathing through the mouth and not nose has some long term problems.

Whys is breathing through the nose better?

The Nose acts like an air filter removing the small particles and adds some moisture to air before the air reaches the lungs

WHAT HAPPENS IF WE MOUTH BREATH MOST OF THE TIME?

Since the human body is not designed for mouth breathing. The consequence over the long term is quite serious.

• Dry mouth with less saliva, making the mouth more prone to cavities.
• More prone to infections
• Chronic Bad Breath
• Gum disease
• Gummy Smile
• long, narrow face

WHAT IF A CHILD IS MOUTH BREATHING?

The same signs and symptoms as above including

• Sleep disorders
• Poor Growth
• Poor academic performance

WHAT CAUSES MOUTH BREATHING?

There could be many reasons why the nose is blocked

• Deviated septum
• enlarged tonsils/adenoids
• nasal polyps
• obstructive sleep apnea

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE MOUTH BREATHING?

• Dry Lips
• Dry mouth
• Poor sleep/feeling tired or fatigued
• Bad Breath
• Snoring

HOW TO TREAT MOUTH BREATHING?

Depending on the cause

• Nasal decongestants
• treatment of nasal obstruction
• Surgical removal of enlarged tonsils/ adenoids
• Dental appliances or a myofunctional appliance in kids to cause jaw expansion to promote nasal breathing after removing any nasal obstruction
• Sleep apnea treatment

HOW IS MOUTH BREATHING DIAGNOSED?

On your routine checkups with your doctor or dentist, if the doctor sees any signs or symptoms, it may need further evaluation with your ENT specialist.

At our office in RiteSmile Dental, we are trained to evaluate possible signs/symptoms of mouth breathing. It is not a problem of the mouth but has effects on the whole body and growth of kids. We serve Sugar Land, Missouri City, Stafford, Richmond, Rosenberg, and other surrounding areas.

Call us at 281 565 1800 and see your Sugar land Dentist, Dr. Ahuja to schedule your appointment if you have any concerns.