Why should I breathe through my nose?
Mouth breathing affects your overall health. It may cause you to develop:
- Respiratory problems like enlarged tonsils and adenoids, deviated septum, and chronic stuffy nose from colds, allergies, or sinusitis.
- Dental problems like bad breath, dry mouth, gum, and tooth problems.
- Orthodontic problems like cross bites and malocclusions. Breathing through the mouth may cause the underdevelopment of the upper arch (maxilla).
- Facial development problems. Keeping the mouth open causes what's called "long face." People who have mouth breathing often have narrowed faces with receding chins or jaws.
- Orofacial and myofunctional problems. Muscle disorders of the face, lips, and tongue may cause swallowing and speech problems.
- Behavior problems: Studies show some children with mouth breathing develop behavioral problems that are similar to problems found with children who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Daytime tiredness and sleepiness.
- Children and adults are much more prone to developing sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
