Is Mouth Breathing Bad for My Teeth?

Breathing is something we do (on average) 20,000 times a day without giving it much thought. But did you know that how you breathe can impact your oral health?

While nose breathing is the optimal way to breathe, many people are chronic mouth breathers, either due to habit or underlying health issues. Over time, mouth breathing can lead to a range of dental problems, from cavities to gum disease to changes in facial structure.

If you or your child are prone to mouth breathing, here's what you need to know to protect your smile.

The Drawbacks of Mouth Breathing

Breathing through your mouth might not seem like a big deal, but it can actually disrupt your oral ecosystem.

Dry Mouth

Saliva is your mouth's natural defense against cavity-causing bacteria. When you breathe through your mouth, you expose your teeth and gums to a constant flow of air. This can cause saliva to evaporate. Without enough saliva to neutralize acid and remineralize your teeth, you're more prone to tooth decay and bad breath.

Gum Inflammation 

Mouth breathing can also irritate and inflame your gum tissue. When your gums are consistently dry and exposed to airflow, they can become red, swollen, and more susceptible to gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Malocclusion

In children, chronic mouth breathing can actually change the shape of the face and jaw over time. When the mouth is always open, the tongue rests on the bottom of the mouth instead of pressing against the upper teeth. This can cause the upper arch to narrow and the front teeth to protrude, leading to a condition called "long face syndrome" or "adenoid facies."

Poor Sleep

Mouth breathing is frequently associated with snoring and sleep apnea, which can disrupt the quality and quantity of your sleep. When you're not getting enough restful sleep, it can weaken your immune system and make it harder to fight off oral infections.

Identifying the Cause of Mouth Breathing

To effectively address mouth breathing and its effects on your oral health, it's important to understand why it's happening in the first place. Some common causes of mouth breathing include:

• Habit - Some people, especially children, may develop a habit of mouth breathing even if there's no physical obstruction, sometimes due to factors like stress, thumb-sucking, or prolonged bottle use.
• Sleep Disorders - Conditions like sleep apnea can result in breathing through your mouth while you're sleeping, even if you breathe normally during the day.
• Nasal Congestion - If your nose is consistently stuffy from allergies, a deviated septum, or enlarged tonsils or adenoids, you may naturally resort to mouth breathing to get enough air.

Protecting Your Oral Health

In addition to seeking out the root cause of mouth breathing, there are steps you can take to minimize its impact on your teeth and gums:

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and use mouthwash. You will want to be extra diligent about your oral hygiene routine if you're prone to mouth breathing.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can be helpful with comatting dry mouth and keep your saliva flowing. Aim for at least 8 glasses a day, and limit dehydrating beverages like coffee and alcohol.

Use a Humidifier

Adding moisture to the air can help reduce the drying effects of mouth breathing, especially at night. Consider using a humidifier in your bedroom and other rooms where you tend to spend lots of time.

See Your Dentist Regularly

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are important for catching and treating any oral health problems related to mouth breathing. We can also recommend specific products or treatments to help protect your teeth and gums.

Don't let mouth breathing compromise your oral health - call us today to schedule your next appointment!