Ask a Biological Dentist – Are There Health Consequences with Mouth Breathing?
Every human is born with the ability to breathe from their noses, but mouth breathing has become common and probably the norm. By both diagnosing and treating this issue, the biological dentist can help to revert this pattern. Mouth breathing has been linked to sleep disordered breathing, particularly in children. This article covers some of the health consequences of mouth breathing.
The effects of mouth breathing
Mouth breathing is not necessarily a bad thing, as a biological dentist will say. There are occasions that it is absolutely important to keep us alive and ensure that the body gets the oxygen required to operate properly. Two good examples would be after an intense daily workout or a bad cold with severe nasal congestion. Mouth and nose breathing are normal for healthy people, but some people choose to breathe through their mouth, which may cause problems.
Mouth breathing can result in skeletal and facial muscle imbalances and can be caused by a combination of airway obstruction and habit. Children's mouth breathing has been linked to daytime sleepiness (DTS), which has been linked to a higher likelihood of learning disabilities. Snoring and mouth coughing have been strongly linked to rhinitis, maternal smoking, and positive allergic skin testing.
According to research, mouth breathing reduces the level of nitric oxide in the blood, which can cause severe long-term health issues. Experts believe it can affect a child's facial growth while also causing jaw alignment problems as a person tries to position his or her jaw in unusual ways to increase oxygen intake. Mouth breathing will also contribute to poor breath and dental issues by causing a dry mouth, which is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria.
Why nasal breathing is important
The function of the nasal passages is to prepare air before it reaches the lungs. The sinuses eliminate particles and help protect against unfriendly bacteria and serve as humidifiers that soften and moisten the air. Furthermore, the nasal passages produce nitric oxide, which the body needs for every type of smooth muscle, including the heart and blood vessels.
Nitric oxide also affects immunity, platelet activity, and the nervous system deep inside the cells of the body. It also aids in homeostasis and the control of mitochondrial functions, which provide energy to the cells. The nose works as both a filter and a humidifier to keep the air you breathe clean and safe. The nasal hairs, adenoids, sinus mucous membranes, and turbinates form an intricate filtration mechanism in your nose. These parts of the nose are responsible for preventing bacteria and germs from causing recurrent sickness. Mouth breathing reduces the odds of stopping nasty things while increasing the chances of getting sick dramatically. Breathing from the nose is beneficial to dental health as well as physical health. One can relax knowing that the body is getting the proper amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide necessary for good health.
In conclusion
If you or a loved one is having trouble with mouth breathing, please contact a biological dentist. They will spend time talking with you about your concerns and determining the best course of action to improve your health and help you breathe normally again.
Request an appointment here: https://doctormccarthy.com or call Shannon H. McCarthy DDS at (716) 689-8882 for an appointment in our Williamsville office.
