A typical breathing pattern involves in and out breaths through the nose that warm up the nasal passage and moisten the air. However, some people prefer to breathe through their mouths. These people are known as mouth breathers.
While some people breathe through their mouths exclusively, others use mouth breathing as a way to compensate for sleep apnea, etc. Occasional mouth breathing due to flu or any underlying condition is not of primary concern, but chronic mouth breathing does require medical intervention.
So, what causes habitual and chronic mouth breathing, and how is it dangerous? Let’s find out:
Causes Of Mouth Breathing
Many risk factors lead to mouth breathing, for example:
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Deviated septum
- Chronic cold
- Sinus polyps
- Enlarged adenoids and tonsils
- History of thumb sucking
- Nasal congestion
- Birth abnormalities like cleft palate, Pierre Robin syndrome, etc.
Apart from these, there are other causes as well that force a person to breathe through their mouth, like tongue tie.
Some people develop a habit of breathing through their mouth after a long-standing cold, even when the cold resolves. For others, sleep disorders like sleep apnea may cause people to breathe through their mouth instead of their nose to facilitate more oxygen intake.
Physicians also believe that stress and anxiety can cause people to breathe through their mouth because of the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, leading to rapid and abnormal breathing.
Risk Factors Involved With Mouth Breathing
Almost anyone can develop mouth breathing, but certain conditions work in conjunction to make your state worse:
- Hay Fever
- Allergies
- Recurring Sinus Infections
- Stress and Anxiety
- Asthma
How Do We Diagnose Mouth Breathing?
There’s not a single, definitive test to diagnose mouth breathing. A doctor might diagnose your mouth breathing during an oral physical examination or when looking at the nostrils. They may also ask further questions about your snoring, sleeping patterns, and breathing difficulties.
A dentist may also be able to diagnose your mouth breathing during a routine oral examination, especially if you have halitosis, gum disease, or cavities more than usual.
If your dentist or doctor notices nasal polyps or swollen tonsils, you may be referred to an ENT specialist to confirm the diagnosis.
Associated Complications With Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing, first of all, dries out your mouth. This means that saliva, which normally acts as a buffer with antibacterial action, can no longer wash the bacteria out and remineralize your teeth. This can soon lead to:
- Halitosis or bad breath
- Periodontal disease involving gingivitis
- Tooth Cavities
- Throat Infection
Mouth breathing is also said to cause low oxygen concentration in the blood. Studies have found that mouth breathing decreases lung function and can lead to asthma.
Mouth breathing in children is far more dangerous and can lead to physical abnormalities and decreased development. If children are not treated early on, they may develop:
- Long faces
- Narrow mouth
- Gummy smile
- Tooth malocclusions
- Poor posture
Since mouth breathing decreases the amount of oxygen taken in the blood via the lungs, sleep is mostly incomplete, which can cause:
- Poor growth
- Poor performance in school
- Lethargy
- Sleep disorders
- Inability to concentrate
Can Mouth Breathing Be Prevented?
Because of the shape of your nose or mouth, chronic mouth breathing can’t be prevented without surgical or orthodontic intervention. However, acute mouth breathing caused by congestion and allergies can be prevented from developing into a habit.
- Use saline mists, sprays, and nasal decongestants after the first flu or cold signs.
- Sleeping on your back with an elevated head position to allow nasal breathing
- If you suffer from allergies, installing an air filter in your air conditioner can help screen out allergens.
How Can Mouth Breathing Be Treated?
Treatment of mouth breathing depends on many variables like age and cause. Medications can be given to treat nasal congestion and allergies. OTC antihistamines and nasal decongestants work pretty well to relieve symptoms.
You can also find nasal adhesive strips from the pharmacy. These adhesive strips are applied across the nostrils. The band is stiff enough to allow a marked decrease in airflow resistance, allowing you to breathe easily.
For people suffering from sleep apnea that triggers their mouth breathing, your doctor or dentist can have you wear a face appliance called a CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure Therapy). This appliance delivers air to your nose and mouth via the mask and keeps the airflow constant, preventing it from blocking.
For children suffering from mouth breathing, surgical removal of tonsils or associated adenoids can help treat mouth breathing effectively. Further orthodontic appliances like an arch expander may also be given to widen the palate and help accommodate the airflow better in the sinuses.
Treating mouth breathing early on can prove to be beneficial for overall dental and facial development.
Conclusion
Mouth breathing starts off quite normal but soon develops into a serious condition that should be treated as soon as possible.
