What Are the Long-Term Side Effects of Mouth Breathing?

Mouth breathing, while seemingly harmless at first, can lead to a range of long-term side effects that can affect your health, appearance, and quality of life. Many individuals find themselves breathing through their mouths either consciously or unconsciously, especially when dealing with sinus problems, allergies, or other respiratory issues.

However, when mouth breathing becomes a habit, it can trigger a cascade of negative effects. In this article, we will explore the long-term side effects of mouth breathing, its causes, and how balloon sinuplasty — a procedure offered by Kaplan Sinus Relief — can help address one of its primary causes: sinus congestion.

If you’ve been struggling with chronic mouth breathing, schedule a consultation with Kaplan Sinus Relief today!

What are the side effects of open mouth breathing?

While breathing through the mouth may be necessary in some cases, habitual mouth breathing can lead to significant long-term health effects. Some of the potential side effects include:

1. Dry mouth and throat

The mouth is not designed to stay open for long periods of time, especially during sleep. When breathing through the mouth, the saliva in the mouth evaporates, leaving the oral cavity dry. This condition, known as xerostomia, can cause discomfort, increase the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

2. Dental problems

Mouth breathing can lead to an altered dental structure. Over time, it can cause misalignment of the teeth and affect the development of the jaw. This is particularly problematic for children whose teeth and jawbones are still growing.

3. Bad breath

When breathing through the mouth, the natural filtration and humidification provided by the nasal passages are bypassed. This can lead to dry mouth, which is a major contributor to bad breath.

4. Sleep disruptions

Mouth breathing during sleep often leads to snoring, which can be disruptive for both the individual and their partner. This may also be an indication of more serious conditions, such as sleep apnea, which requires medical intervention.

5. Altered facial development (children)

Chronic mouth breathing in children can affect facial growth. It can lead to a narrow, elongated face, and it may affect the development of the teeth, causing an overbite or underbite. It may also result in the narrowing of the palate, leading to a need for orthodontic treatment.

6. Posture and breathing patterns

Mouth breathing is often associated with poor posture. When breathing through the mouth, the lower jaw may drop, and the head may tilt forward, leading to muscle tension and discomfort in the neck, shoulders, and back.

7. Increased risk of respiratory infections

The nose filters, warms, and humidifies the air before it enters the lungs. Breathing through the mouth bypasses these protective mechanisms, which can increase the likelihood of respiratory infections.

Read more: can upper respiratory infection cause loss of taste and smell?

8. Decreased oxygen intake

Nasal breathing helps regulate the intake of oxygen by promoting slower, deeper breaths. When breathing through the mouth, the body tends to take in shorter, shallower breaths, which can reduce overall oxygen intake.

What are the causes of mouth breathing?

Mouth breathing can arise for various reasons, and the underlying causes are important to understand in order to address the problem effectively. The most common reasons people breathe through their mouths include:

• Nasal congestion and blockages: Sinus issues are one of the leading causes of mouth breathing. When the nasal passages are blocked due to congestion from sinus infections, allergies, or other conditions, it can be difficult to breathe through the nose. As a result, people often resort to mouth breathing for air intake. This is especially common among individuals with chronic sinusitis, where inflamed sinuses block airflow through the nose.
• Allergies: Pollen, dust, pet dander, and other allergens can irritate the nasal passages, causing them to swell. This swelling limits airflow, forcing individuals to breathe through their mouths to get enough oxygen.
• Deviated septum: A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall between the nostrils is displaced to one side, making one nostril smaller than the other. This condition can lead to chronic nasal obstruction and mouth breathing (Continue reading: can a deviated septum cause snoring?)
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids: Particularly in children, enlarged tonsils or adenoids can block the airway, making it difficult to breathe through the nose, often resulting in mouth breathing.
• Poor breathing habits: Sometimes, mouth breathing is simply the result of a learned behavior. Children, for example, may develop the habit of breathing through their mouths if their noses are congested or if they are taught to do so by their environment.
• Sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea, where the airway collapses during sleep, can cause mouth breathing during sleep, as the body attempts to compensate for lack of air.

How do I stop mouth breathing?

Stopping mouth breathing requires addressing the root cause of the issue. Here are some strategies to help you break the habit and start breathing through your nose:

1. If sinus issues are causing your mouth breathing, consider treatments such as nasal sprays, antihistamines, or decongestants to relieve congestion and open up your nasal passages.
2. Nasal dilators are devices that help widen the nostrils and make it easier to breathe through your nose. These can be used during sleep to encourage nasal vs mouth breathing.
3. Some individuals use gentle adhesive strips to encourage nose breathing during sleep. This practice should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
4. Practicing breathing exercises, such as pursed-lip breathing or diaphragmatic breathing, can help train your body to breathe through the nose rather than the mouth.
5. If allergies are causing nasal congestion, managing them with medications or avoiding allergens can help reduce mouth breathing.
6. For individuals with chronic sinus issues, balloon sinuplasty may be the ideal solution. This minimally invasive procedure can open blocked sinus passages, improving airflow and allowing you to breathe more easily through your nose.

Balloon sinuplasty can relieve the side effects of mouth breathing

One of the most effective solutions for mouth breathing caused by sinus issues is balloon sinuplasty. This procedure is a less invasive alternative to traditional sinus surgery and is designed to clear blocked sinuses by inflating a small balloon within the sinus cavity. This helps to open up the passageways, allowing for better airflow and improved nasal breathing.

Balloon sinuplasty is particularly effective for individuals suffering from chronic sinusitis, which is often the root cause of mouth breathing. By restoring proper airflow through the nose, this procedure can help eliminate the need for mouth breathing, improve sleep quality, and reduce the risk of dental and facial issues associated with chronic mouth breathing.

If you are struggling with mouth breathing due to sinus problems, balloon sinuplasty could be the answer. Dr. Michael Kaplan specializes in this procedure and can help you find relief from the symptoms of chronic sinusitis.

Breathe healthier with a visit to Kaplan Sinus Relief

The side effects of mouth breathing may seem like a minor issue, but they can have far-reaching consequences for your health. If you are experiencing chronic mouth breathing due to sinus congestion or other respiratory issues, it’s essential to seek professional help. Kaplan Sinus Relief offers comprehensive solutions, including balloon sinuplasty, to improve your sinus health and restore proper nasal breathing.

Consult with Kaplan Sinus Relief today to learn more about how we can help you breathe easier, sleep better, and improve your overall quality of life. Don’t let mouth breathing hold you back — contact us now and take the first step toward healthier breathing!

More Helpful Articles by Kaplan Sinus Relief:

• Why Your Chronic Sinusitis Medication Isn’t Working
• How to Treat Chronic Sinusitis with Nasal Polyps
• How to Tell the Difference Between Sinusitis and Asthma
• Does Nasal Irrigation Help Sinus Infections?
• Should I Get a CT Scan for Sinus Problems?