Mouth Breathing
Our bodies are designed for nasal breathing, but when the nose isn’t functioning optimally, the mouth takes over. Over time, this compensation can cause complications.
One of the goals of myofunctional therapy is to achieve nasal breathing day and night. When we breathe through our mouth, it bypasses the nose’s natural ability to filter, humidify, and regulate airflow. While occasional mouth breathing—like during strenuous exercise—is normal, relying on it as the primary way to breathe can lead to health issues. This is especially concerning for children, as it can affect proper facial development.
How Mouth Breathing Affects the Body
Breathing through the mouth may seem harmless, but over time, it can have significant effects on overall health. Unlike nasal breathing, which filters, humidifies, and warms the air before it reaches the lungs, mouth breathing allows unfiltered, dry air to enter the airway. This can lead to issues such as:
Reduced Oxygen Intake – Nasal breathing supports optimal oxygen exchange, while mouth breathing can result in lower oxygen levels, leading to fatigue and brain fog.
Poor Sleep Quality – Mouth breathing is linked to snoring, sleep apnea, and restless sleep, which can contribute to daytime sleepiness and difficulty concentrating.
Facial and Dental Changes – Chronic mouth breathing, especially in children, can alter facial development, leading to long, narrow faces, recessed chins, and dental misalignment.
Increased Risk of Illness – The nose acts as a natural filter, trapping bacteria and allergens. Without this defense, mouth breathers are more prone to respiratory infections and allergies.
Dry Mouth and Bad Breath – Constant mouth breathing reduces saliva production, increasing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and persistent bad breath.
Why Would Someone Mouth Breathe?
Mouth breathing is often a learned postural habit that develops due to underlying issues. Some of the most common causes include:
Allergies/ Food sensitivities – Chronic nasal inflammation can make it difficult to breathe through the nose.
Thumb or Finger Sucking Habits – These can affect tongue posture and airway development.
Low Tongue Posture – A tongue that rests low in the mouth instead of on the roof of the mouth can encourage mouth breathing.
Physical Restrictions in the Tongue – A tongue-tie or other structural limitations may prevent proper nasal breathing.
Enlarged Tonsils or Adenoids – Blocked airways due to swollen tissues can make nasal breathing difficult, especially in children.
Chronic Nasal Congestion – Conditions like a deviated septum, sinus infections, or chronic stuffiness force the body to find an alternative way to get air.
Respiratory Infections – Colds, flu, and other illnesses that cause congestion can lead to temporary mouth breathing.
Mouth Breathing and Low Tongue Posture
Mouth breathing leads to low tongue posture, which directly impacts the growth and development of the face and mouth. When the tongue does not rest against the palate, it fails to provide the necessary pressure for proper jaw and airway development. This can result in:
Long, narrow facial structure
Less defined cheekbones and weak chin due to improper jaw development
High, narrow palate, reducing space in the nasal cavity and airway
Dental crowding and misalignment, increasing the need for orthodontic treatment
Smaller airways, contributing to snoring, sleep apnea, and long-term breathing issues
For optimal growth and development, the tongue should rest lightly suctioned against the roof of the mouth, with lips sealed and nasal breathing occurring naturally. This positioning:
Acts as a natural palatal expander, shaping the upper jaw correctly
Provides stability for the airway and sinuses, promoting efficient breathing
Supports a functional swallowing pattern, reducing the risk of speech and feeding issuesese factors can make nasal breathing more difficult. When the body struggles to get enough air through the nose, it naturally switches to mouth breathing as a survival mechanism. While this adaptation is necessary in the short term, prolonged mouth breathing can lead to long-term health consequences.
How Can Myofunctional Therapy Help with Mouth Breathing?
Myofunctional therapy is a series of exercises designed to strengthen the muscles of the face and tongue, encouraging proper nasal breathing, lip closure, and tongue posture. Through guided therapy, we can help retrain the muscles to support optimal breathing patterns and overall health.
If you or your child exhibit signs of mouth breathing, schedule a consultation to explore how myofunctional therapy can help improve breathing, sleep, and overall well being.
