Mouth Breathing

What's Wrong with Mouth Breathing?

While Mouth Breathing is common, it is not normal or healthy. As human beings, we are born obligate nasal breathers. Mouth Breathing is not our healthy, natural state. 

Potential Effects of Chronic Mouth Breathing

• Altered facial growth: Mouth breathing in children can contribute to long, narrow faces, underdeveloped jaws, and a high palate.
• Poor tongue posture: The tongue often sits low in the mouth, weakening its tone and leading to improper swallowing and bite alignment.
• Dry mouth: Constant airflow through the mouth dries out tissues, increasing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
• Postural strain: Mouth breathing affects head and neck posture, often contributing to tension in the jaw, neck, and shoulders.
• Sleep disturbances: It can reduce oxygen intake and contribute to snoring, fatigue, and even sleep-disordered breathing.
• Reduced focus and energy: Inadequate oxygen exchange can impact brain function, leading to reduced attention, mood changes, and daytime tiredness.
• Increased risk of asthma and allergy symptoms:
• Tooth decay, gum disease, and dry mouth
• Activation of the sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight response)
• Weakened immune system and increased illness risk

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Establishing Nasal Breathing is the first goal of Myofunctional Therapy. Mouth Breathing is either a habit or out of necessity. If someone is mouth breathing out of necessity, they must see an Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Specialist before starting a Myofunctional Therapy program. If someone has a mouth breathing habit, Myofunctional Therapy (orofacial therapy) can help to correct this habit!