Last updated on March 25th, 2024 at 10:36 pm
The term “mouth breather” is a common slur everyone has heard. People always use this term as an insult, yet few realize anybody can be a “mouth breather” if their nasal passages get blocked. Oral breathing has a bad reputation because it is linked to many other health problems if left untreated. Who would have thought that something as basic as breathing could have such a profound effect on well-being?
Mouth breathing, often known as “abnormal breathing,” is characterized by an increased respiratory rate and decreased lung volume compared to normal breathing. Apart from contacting a cosmetic doctor Brisbane, here are some tips to help you if you’re a mouth breather.
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What is Mouth Breathing?
It’s not uncommon for people to simply use their mouths to breathe. The only time mouth breathing is required when nasal congestion prevents normal nose breathing, such as allergies or a cold. In addition, mouth breathing helps increase oxygen delivery to working muscles during intense physical activity.
How Bad Is It?
Problems arise from constantly breathing through the lips, even while sleeping. A child’s growth may be stunted or have crooked teeth if they breathe through their mouth frequently. Bad breath and gum disease are two of the many adverse health effects of mouth breathing in adults. It can also exacerbate the signs of other conditions.
Just what are the origins of our recurrent mouth breathing?
Most cases of breathing through the mouth are due to a blocked or partially blocked nasal airway. An obstruction in the nasal passages makes breathing difficult. If you can’t breathe through your nose, your body will use your mouth as a backup.
A variety of factors can bring on a stuffy nose. There are several, but some of them are:
- issues with breathing via the nose due to allergies, a cold, or a sinus infection
- adenoidal hypertrophy
- chronic tonsillitis / swollen tonsils
- septal deviation
- polyps in the nasal mucosa, also known as harmless growths in the nasal lining
- enhanced turbinates
- the nose’s unique structure
- jaw structure and proportions
- tumors
How Do You Deal With Mouth Breathing?
The treatment for chronic mouth breathing is condition specific. Sinus pressure from colds and allergies can be relieved with medication. A few examples of such drugs are:
- decongestants for the nose
- antihistamines
- the use of steroid nasal sprays, either prescribed or acquired without a doctor’s input
Breathing can be improved by applying adhesive strips to the bridge of the nose. If you’re having trouble breathing through your nose, a nasal dilator, which consists of a stiff adhesive strip placed across the nostrils, may help.
Continuous positive air pressure therapy involves using a face mask appliance to treat obstructive sleep apnea. A constant positive airway pressure (CPAP) device is a machine that pumps air into your nasal and oral passages. Air pressure prevents your airways from contracting and being obstructed. Mouth breathing can be corrected with surgery to remove enlarged tonsils and adenoids in youngsters.
Additionally, a dentist may suggest that your child utilize an appliance to expand the palate and improve nasal airflow. The root cause of mouth breathing may be corrected with orthodontic procedures like braces.
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