The Hidden Dangers of Chronic Mouth Breathing: What You Need to Know

Mouth breathing may seem harmless, especially if it’s something you or your child does without thinking. The consequences of chronic mouth breathing can be severe, particularly in the long run. What is chronic mouth breathing? Why does it occur, and what can be done about it?

What Causes Chronic Mouth Breathing?

Chronic mouth breathing can stem from several issues:

• Nasal Obstructions: Conditions like a deviated septum, nasal polyps, or chronic sinusitis can block nasal passages.
• Allergies: Seasonal or environmental allergies can cause nasal congestion, leading to mouth breathing.
• Enlarged Tonsils or Adenoids: Particularly in children, enlarged tonsils or adenoids can obstruct nasal breathing.
• Poor Oral Habits: Habitual behavior, such as thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use, can encourage mouth breathing.

Detrimental Effects of Chronic Mouth Breathing

1. Dental Issues

   • Dry Mouth: Mouth breathing reduces saliva production, leading to dry mouth, which can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
   • Misaligned Teeth: Chronic mouth breathing can affect the development of facial structures in children, leading to malocclusion (misaligned teeth) and orthodontic problems.

2. Sleep Disorders

   • Sleep Apnea: Mouth breathing is associated with sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea, which can cause fragmented sleep and reduced oxygen levels.
   • Poor Sleep Quality: Inadequate nasal breathing can lead to restless sleep, resulting in fatigue and reduced daytime performance.

3. Facial and Postural Changes

   • Long Face Syndrome: Chronic mouth breathing can cause elongation of the face, commonly referred to as “long face syndrome,” affecting aesthetics and oral function.
   • Poor Posture: Mouth breathers may adopt a forward head posture to facilitate breathing, which can lead to neck and back pain over time.

4. Respiratory Issues

   • Reduced Oxygen Intake: Nasal breathing warms, moistens, and filters the air we breathe, optimizing oxygen intake. Mouth breathing bypasses these benefits, leading to reduced oxygen levels and respiratory infections.

5. Cognitive and Behavioral Problems

   • Attention Deficits: In children, chronic mouth breathing is linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other behavioral issues due to poor sleep quality and reduced oxygenation.
   • Learning Difficulties: Impaired sleep and oxygenation can affect cognitive development and academic performance.

Addressing Chronic Mouth Breathing

1. Identify the Cause: Consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of chronic mouth breathing. This may involve a visit to an ENT specialist, allergist, or dentist.

2. Treat Underlying Conditions: Treating nasal obstructions, allergies, or enlarged tonsils/adenoids can improve nasal breathing. This may involve medications, allergy management, or surgery.

3. Myofunctional Therapy: This therapy involves exercises that strengthen the tongue and orofacial muscles to promote nasal breathing and proper oral posture.

4. Good Oral Habits: Encourage nasal breathing by keeping the mouth closed, especially during sleep and physical activities. For children, reduce habits like thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use.

5. Use of Devices: In some cases, devices like nasal strips or dilators can help open nasal passages and promote nasal breathing during sleep. 

6. Air Purifier: An air purifier with a HEPA filter has been a game changer in our home. If your house tends to accumulate a lot of dust or pet dander, using an air purifier can significantly improve the air quality and enhance breathing comfort.

You may not realize it, but chronic mouth breathing is a serious health issue that can have a significant impact on your life. It is important to understand the causes and effects of these issues, and to take steps to address them, if you want to improve your health and well-being. Get professional guidance if you or your child are chronic mouth breathers so that you can plan your future in a healthier way.