Many of us breathe through our mouths without much thought. Some do it occasionally, while others do it consistently, especially during sleep or strenuous activities. But did you know that mouth breathing could potentially lead to oral and dental health issues and even change the structure of your face? In this blog post, we’ll get into the reasons why mouth breathing is a bigger deal than you might think.
Mouth Breathing and Dental Health
Breathing through one’s mouth rather than the nose has been linked to several dental problems. Mouth breathers tend to dry out their mouths, creating an environment that becomes conducive for bacteria growth. This can lead to cavities and gum disease. Furthermore, children who habitually breathe through their mouths may experience dental development problems.
The Connection to Gum Disease
When you breathe through your mouth, it tends to dry out the saliva that is necessary for neutralizing the acids produced by plaque. This imbalance can result in greater risk for oral issues such as gum disease and tooth decay.
Mouth Breathing and Facial Structure
Continuous mouth breathing doesn’t just lead to dental problems; it affects the facial structure, too. The changes can be particularly apparent in children, as mouth breathing can influence the jaw’s growth pattern, leading to a condition called “long face syndrome.” This can lead to flat faces, droopy eyes, small lower jaws, and narrow faces.
Long Face Syndrome
Long face syndrome refers to a condition in which the face grows longer and narrower than usual due to open mouth posture. It can lead to snoring, sleep apnea, and compromised chewing functions. This is yet another reason why mouth breathing should be addressed as early as possible.
Management of Mouth Breathing
Management of mouth breathing includes identifying and treating the underlying cause. This could range from habit change to surgery and in some cases orthodontic treatment. Miami Designer Smiles provide treatments such as myofunctional therapy and neuromuscular orthodontics, which can assist in correcting the issue for both children and adults, along with improving facial aesthetic.
Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy is a treatment that targets the muscles of the tongue and the upper throat. It teaches you exercises that can help you break the habit of mouth breathing and instead breathe through your nose – the right way.
Neuromuscular Orthodontics
In situations where the cause of mouth breathing is a misaligned bite or jaw, neuromuscular orthodontics can play a role in treating the issue. It focuses on aligning the jaw to correct its position, helping to assist the patient to return to breathing through the nose.
The Takeaway
Breathing through your mouth is more serious than you might think. It can lead to oral health problems, alter facial structure, and contribute to other health issues. If you or your family member often breathe through the mouth, don’t ignore the situation. Schedule an appointment with your dentist and discuss treatment options. With the help of the right specialist, like Dr. Concepcion Sanchez-Garcia or Dr. Raul Garcia from Miami Designer Smiles, you can revert to a healthier breathing habit and improve your overall health.