Chronic mouth breathing is a myofunctional disorder

Optimal breathing involves nasal breathing, but if nasal airflow is restricted, mouth breathing becomes more frequent and at times necessary.

Why Would Someone Mouth Breathe?

A mouth breathing habit can develop for numerous reasons. Below are the most common:

1. Allergies

2. Thumb or finger sucking habit

3. Low tongue posture

4. A physical restriction in the tongue

5. Enlarged tonsils or adenoids

6. Chronic nasal congestion

7. Respiratory infection

Any of these factors can make nasal breathing difficult, forcing the body to rely on mouth breathing for oxygen. Unlike nasal breathing, mouth breathing lacks many benefits and can disrupt tongue function, leading to issues like low tongue posture or tongue thrust. These problems can affect speech, swallowing, breathing, and chewing.

Benefits of Nasal Breathing

1. Air Filtration: Nasal breathing filters out various particles, including dust, dirt, pollen, dander, and other allergens, ensuring cleaner air reaches your lungs.

2. Nitric Oxide Production: The nasal cavity produces nitric oxide, a vital molecule known for its ability to fight harmful bacteria and viruses. It enhances blood circulation and improves oxygen uptake in the lungs, contributing significantly to overall respiratory health.

3. Air Humidification: Nasal breathing humidifies the air before it reaches the lungs, which helps maintain proper lung function and prevents irritation.

4. Controlled Temperature and Speed: Breathing through the nose allows for better control of the temperature and speed of the air entering the lungs.

5. Increased Lung Volume: This breathing technique can help improve lung volume, promoting more efficient respiration.

6. Facilitates Diaphragmatic Breathing: Nasal breathing encourages the use of the diaphragm, leading to deeper, more effective breaths.

7. Activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System: This type of breathing activates the calming parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation.

8. Reduces Anxiety: By activating the calming nervous system, nasal breathing can help decrease anxiety levels.

9. Decreases Coughing: Nasal breathing makes you less prone to coughing, contributing to a more comfortable breathing experience.

10. Enhances Athletic Performance: Improved oxygen uptake and lung function can lead to better athletic performance, making nasal breathing beneficial for athletes.

What Can Be Done to Treat Mouth Breathing?

Changing the habit of mouth breathing may seem straightforward—just close your mouth, right? However, for many people, it’s not that easy. This is because habits can be hard to break. The muscles involved—such as the tongue, lips, and cheeks—have adapted to an “incorrect” way of functioning. As a result, the body may not know how to breathe properly through the nose, and the nasal passages often don’t work efficiently.

To stop mouth breathing, these muscles need to be “re-trained” to work in new ways. If this re-training doesn’t happen, issues related to general health, speech, orthodontics, dental health, sleep, swallowing, and breathing can persist throughout life.