Most of us breathe through our nose; it feels natural, and we don’t have to think about it. However, some people have to get the majority of their oxygen through their mouth. If that is true in your case, you may not realize the danger that breathing can pose to your oral health. What causes mouth breathing, why is it such a big deal, and how can you stop it before it ruins that gorgeous smile of yours? Your dentist is here to tell you what you need to know about this oft-ignored problem.
What Causes Mouth Breathing?
There are quite a few possible causes of mouth breathing. If you suffer from allergies, your sinuses may get so congested at certain times of the year that you have no choice but to breathe through your mouth. Fortunately, it’s usually easy to address allergies with medications. Other circumstances, however, can cause chronic mouth breathing:
- Asthma
- A deviated nasal septum
- Some birth abnormalities
- Tongue tie (wherein the tongue is less mobile than most people’s)
- Sinus polyps
- Enlarged tonsils
- Sleep apnea (which primarily causes mouth breathing at night)
What Harm Does It Do?
Some people may think that mouth breathing is little more than an annoyance, but it can actually lead to some significant oral health problems. If you regularly take in air through your mouth rather than through your nose, you could suffer from:
- Bad breath. Mouth breathing causes your mouth to dry out. When there isn’t enough saliva in your oral cavity, there isn’t sufficient moisture to rinse away all the particles and bacteria that lead to stinky breath.
- Saliva also protects your teeth from cavities by getting rid of harmful bacteria. Without enough moisture in your mouth, your teeth become more vulnerable to decay.
- Periodontal (gum) disease. The bacteria that mouth breathing allows to run rampant in your mouth can sneak into your gums, leading to gingivitis and possibly even advanced gum disease. This is a condition that can cause loose teeth, bleeding gums, and system health problems. It may even contribute to the development of heart disease.
How Can You Fix Mouth Breathing?
The best way to fix mouth breathing depends on what is stopping you from breathing through your nose. If you have a deviated nasal septum, for example, you might need surgery to correct that. If you have asthma, you may need to talk to your doctor about trying out a different medication.
It’s also important to stay in touch with your dentist. Everyone should have a dental appointment once every six months or so, but seeking care is especially important if you have been breathing through your mouth for quite some time. Your dentist can examine your mouth and let you know what effects your mouth breathing has had. Then, you’ll receive treatment that will help to preserve that beautiful smile of yours.
Mouth breathing is a risky business. If you struggle with it, strongly consider seeking treatment so you can have a healthy, happy smile.
About the Dentist
Dr. Wael E. Kassem is proud to combine his expertise with state-of-the-art dental technology to help his patients achieve excellent oral health. If you are concerned that mouth breathing might be damaging your pearly whites, please contact us at 856-818-9998.
