Nasal breathing is considered the optimal way to breathe for both overall health and oral health. Nasal breathing allows for proper filtration, humidification, and warming of the air before it enters the lungs, which helps to prevent infections, reduce inflammation, and promote optimal oxygenation of the body.

On the other hand, mouth breathing can cause various oral health problems, such as dry mouth, bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. It can also lead to improper jaw and teeth growth, resulting in crowded or misaligned teeth, narrow arches, and even changes to the facial structure over time. Therefore, breathing through the nose as much as possible is vital to maintain good oral and overall health.

Several indications and symptoms might suggest that you are a mouth breather, including…

1. Dry mouth: If you wake up with a dry mouth, it may be a sign that you have been mouth breathing during the night.
2. Snoring: Mouth breathing can cause snoring, which is a common symptom of sleep apnea.
3. Bad breath: Mouth breathing can cause bad breath because it dries out the saliva in your mouth, which can lead to bacterial growth.
4. Frequent colds and respiratory infections: Mouth breathing can increase your risk of respiratory infections because it bypasses your nose’s filtering and humidifying functions.
5. Headaches: Mouth breathing can cause headaches because it can lead to decreased oxygen levels and increased carbon dioxide levels in the body.
6. Dry, cracked lips: Mouth breathing can cause your lips to become dry and cracked because they are constantly exposed to dry air.

Here are seven tips to enhance your breathing and promote nasal breathing:
1. Incorporate nasal breathing exercises into your daily routine. Improve your breathing by concentrating on breathing slowly and deeply through your nose.
2. With a simple “pencil test”, you can find out how changing your bite or wearing an appropriate night mouth guard can improve your ability to breathe through your nose.

Click HERE to find out how to perform a simple “pencil test”.

3. Keep your nose clear: Use a saline nasal spray, a humidifier, or a neti pot to help keep your nasal passages clear of mucus, allergens, and other irritants.
4. Enhance your posture by sitting upright with your shoulders pulled back and your head in line with your spine. This can help open up your airways and make nasal breathing easier.
5. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day. This can help prevent your nasal passages from drying out.
6. Sleep with your head elevated, which helps to open your airways and promote nasal breathing.
7. During physical activity, try to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth to improve oxygen delivery to your muscles, reduce fatigue, and increase endurance. Start with low-intensity exercise and gradually work your way up to more intense activities.

Remember, mouth breathing is a treatable condition. The sooner you seek treatment, the greater your chance of recovery. We can evaluate your symptoms and recommend additional treatments or interventions to help you breathe more easily. So, don’t hesitate to call us if you suspect your oral health may impact your ability to breathe comfortably through your nose.

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Dr David Cowhig, the founder of the Dental Wellness clinics, is a pioneer in holistic metal free dentistry & aesthetics, providing scientific-based biological dentistry. We support you as an individual and take into account the variety of factors that can lead to dental and oral health problems. We believe passionately that creating health and beauty around us is an integral part of life and you will feel these qualities in our dental care. You can find us at The Gap in Brisbane, focussing on holistic aesthetic total metal-free dentistry.

Contact Dental Wellness on 07 3511 1399 or email reception@dentalwellness.com.au.

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