“MOUTH-BREATHER” HAS made the rounds as an insult in recent years, but breathing primarily through the mouth instead of the nose can actually have some pretty negative effects on health, including oral health. Mouth-breathing should only be done as an emergency backup, not the main way to breathe.
The Nose Is a Built-In Air Filter
The nose has a built-in filtration system and triggers nitric oxide production, helping our lungs absorb oxygen better. We don’t get any of that from mouth breathing. Short-term effects of mouth breathing include dry mouth, reduced oxygen levels, and impaired speech. Dry mouth is particularly dangerous for dental health, because saliva is the teeth and gums’ first line of defense against bacteria and acid. We also need saliva to taste our food!
Mouth-Breathing Can Change the Shape of the Face
Children who grow up breathing mainly through their mouths can actually develop differently, their faces becoming flatter, with weaker chins and droopy eyelids as they grow up. They are more likely to have complex orthodontic problems, with narrow arches and lots of crowding. Other long-term effects for habitual mouth-breathers include an increased likelihood of sleep apnea, which in turn comes with low energy, poor concentration, and a weaker immune system.
Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
Related posts
Discover the art of enhancing your smile.

For Healthy Teeth’s Sake, Stop Chewing Ice!
THERE'S A GOOD REASON dental health professionals warn their patients not to chew ice. This...

Dental Health and Eating Disorders
EATING DISORDERS ARE incredibly dangerous, sometimes life-threatening mental conditions. The first...

How Missing Your Dental Check-Up Could Lead to Painful, Expensive Mistakes
Regular dental check-ups are one of the most important steps you can take to maintain your oral health. Yet, many people skip these routine visits, thinking they can save time or money. What many don’t realize is that neglecting preventive care often leads to more extensive and expensive dental treatments—and unnecessary pain.