Breathing is one of those things we don’t usually think about until something goes wrong. Whether you’re jogging, sleeping, or just relaxing, how you breathe plays a larger role in your health than most people realize. And when it comes to your mouth, the way you breathe can directly affect your teeth, gums, and even jaw development.
At Fernandez, DMD, we see the effects of mouth breathing more often than you might think. While it may seem harmless on the surface, consistently breathing through your mouth instead of your nose can contribute to a range of dental issues, especially over time. In this post, we’ll explore why nose breathing is better for your oral health, what problems mouth breathing can cause, and how to tell if it’s an issue you or your child should address.
Why Is Nose Breathing Better?
The nose is designed for breathing. It filters, warms, and humidifies the air you take in, helping your lungs and entire body function more efficiently. When you breathe through your nose, your body produces nitric oxide, a gas that plays a key role in circulation, oxygen delivery, and immune response.
Mouth breathing bypasses all of those built-in benefits. It tends to dry out your mouth, forces your tongue and jaw into unnatural positions, and may lead to inflammation in the throat and gums. While breathing through your mouth occasionally, like during heavy exercise or a stuffy nose, is perfectly normal, chronic mouth breathing is another story.
Dental Problems Linked to Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing can quietly create several dental and orthodontic problems over time, particularly in children. Here are some of the most common oral health issues associated with mouth breathing:
1. Dry Mouth and Increased Cavity Risk
Saliva plays a critical role in protecting your teeth. It helps wash away food particles, neutralize acids, and maintain a healthy balance of bacteria. When you breathe through your mouth, especially while sleeping, your mouth dries out, reducing saliva production. This makes it easier for plaque and harmful bacteria to build up, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
2. Gum Inflammation and Bad Breath
Dry mouth isn’t just uncomfortable, it can also lead to swollen, irritated gums and chronic bad breath. Without enough moisture to keep bacteria in check, your gums may become inflamed and more susceptible to infections, even if you brush and floss regularly.
3. Abnormal Jaw and Facial Development in Children
For children, mouth breathing can affect how their faces and jaws grow. Because the tongue naturally rests on the roof of the mouth during nasal breathing, it helps shape the upper jaw and support normal tooth alignment. When a child habitually breathes through their mouth, the tongue tends to rest lower, which can lead to a high, narrow palate, crowded teeth, and a longer or flatter facial profile.
This pattern of development is sometimes referred to as “long face syndrome,” and it can make orthodontic treatment more complicated later in life. That’s why early detection is so important.
4. Poor Sleep and Increased Risk of Sleep Apnea
Mouth breathing can disrupt sleep, especially if it’s tied to snoring or obstructed airways. It may contribute to sleep apnea, a condition where breathing temporarily stops throughout the night. Poor sleep quality can lead to fatigue, irritability, difficulty focusing, and in children, behavioral issues that are sometimes mistaken for ADHD.
Good breathing habits support deep, restful sleep. Addressing mouth breathing can help improve not just your oral health, but your energy levels and overall well-being too.
What Causes Mouth Breathing?
There are several reasons why someone might develop a habit of mouth breathing. Some are temporary and easy to resolve, while others may require help from a dental or medical professional. Common causes include:
- Nasal congestion from allergies, colds, sinus infections, or deviated septums
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids, especially in children
- Chronic inflammation from environmental irritants or asthma
- Poor oral posture or muscle habits
- Structural issues in the nose or face that restrict airflow
In many cases, people don’t realize they’re mouth breathing, especially if it happens while they sleep. That’s why routine dental exams are important. Your dentist may be one of the first people to notice the signs and help you get to the root of the problem.
How to Know If You’re a Mouth Breather
Mouth breathing can be subtle, but there are some common signs to watch for in yourself or your child:
- Waking up with a dry mouth or bad breath
- Snoring or restless sleep
- Frequent cavities or gum inflammation despite good hygiene
- Chapped lips or drooling at night
- A high, narrow palate or crowded teeth
- Long face or dark circles under the eyes in children
- Breathing with the mouth open during the day
If you suspect mouth breathing is a regular habit, don’t ignore it. It’s not just a cosmetic concern, it can affect your long-term oral and overall health.
What You Can Do About It
The first step in correcting mouth breathing is figuring out what’s causing it. A visit to your dentist or doctor can help identify whether the issue is due to nasal obstruction, structural problems, or habitual behavior.
At Fernandez, DMD, we often work closely with other healthcare providers such as ENTs (ear, nose, and throat specialists), pediatricians, and orthodontists to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Depending on the cause, treatment may include:
- Addressing allergies or chronic sinus problems
- Removing enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Expanding the palate with orthodontic appliances
- Practicing myofunctional therapy (exercises that retrain the tongue and muscles)
- Using nasal strips or humidifiers to encourage nasal breathing during sleep
For children, early intervention is especially important. Addressing mouth breathing before the jaw and facial bones fully develop can prevent the need for more complex treatments later on.
The Role of Myofunctional Therapy
One of the lesser-known but highly effective treatments for mouth breathing is myofunctional therapy. This involves a series of guided exercises designed to improve tongue posture, strengthen the muscles of the face and mouth, and encourage proper nasal breathing.
Think of it like physical therapy, but for your mouth. Myofunctional therapy is often used alongside orthodontics or airway treatments and can be particularly helpful for both children and adults with long-standing breathing or bite issues.
Prevention Starts with Awareness
The more we learn about the body, the clearer it becomes that everything is connected. Something as simple as how you breathe can impact your teeth, gums, sleep, and even the shape of your face. Fortunately, many of the issues caused by mouth breathing are preventable or treatable, once they’re identified.
If you or someone in your family shows signs of mouth breathing, don’t wait until it causes dental problems. Bringing it up during your next dental visit could make a real difference in your long-term health and comfort.
Contact Us
If you’re concerned about mouth breathing or have questions about your child’s oral development, we’re here to help. At Fernandez, DMD, we take a whole-health approach to dental care and stay informed on the latest research and treatments.
Our office is located at 502 E. Olympia Ave., Punta Gorda, FL 33950, and we’d be happy to schedule an appointment or answer your questions. Give us a call today at 941-639-1124. Let’s work together to protect your smile, and your overall health, for years to come.
