How Mouth Breathing Impacts Dental Health

Mouth breathing might not seem like a big deal, but it can seriously impact your oral health.

In this post, we’ll dive into what mouth breathing is, what causes it, how it affects your dental health, and some practical tips to reduce it.

A Woman Sleeping On A Bed

What is Mouth Breathing?

Mouth breathing is simply breathing through your mouth instead of your nose. While it’s normal occasionally, doing it all the time can lead to health problems, especially dental health issues.

Causes of Mouth Breathing

Several things can lead to mouth breathing, such as:

  • Nasal congestion or blockages
  • Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
  • Allergies
  • Chronic sinus problems
  • Structural issues in the nose or airway
  • Mouth Breathing and Dental Health

How it Impacts Oral Health

Mouth breathing can cause significant issues with your teeth and gums, including:

  • Dry mouth: Breathing through your mouth reduces saliva production, which is essential for keeping your mouth clean and fighting tooth decay and gum disease.
  • Gum problems: Dry mouth makes it easier for bacteria to grow, leading to gum disease
  • Tooth decay: Saliva helps protect your teeth by remineralizing enamel. Less saliva means a higher risk of cavities.
  • Bite problems: Mouth breathing can affect the way your face and teeth develop, leading to crooked teeth or bite issues. 

Tips to Reduce Mouth Breathing

If you or your child struggle with mouth breathing, here are some things you can try:

  • Get to the root cause: Talk to a doctor to find out what’s causing the mouth breathing, whether it’s allergies or something else.
  • Practice nasal breathing: Work on breathing through your nose more often (including during exercise) to strengthen those nasal passages.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help alleviate the dry mouth and associated concerns.
  • Mouth taping: Some people find that taping their mouth closed at night helps them breathe through their nose while they sleep.

Visit Signature Smiles for Dental Care in Regina

At Signature Smiles, we know how important it is to keep your mouth healthy and how mouth breathing can get in the way. Our team of dentists in Regina, SK, offers a wide range of services to address all your dental needs. 

Whether you need a check-up, a filling, or help with mouth breathing, we’re here to help.

Don’t let mouth breathing ruin your smile. Schedule an appointment with Signature Smiles today for dental care in Regina.

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