People breathe in different ways. There are open mouth breathers and there are people who breathe through their nose. The important part is that you get oxygen in your body, but the way you breathe can impact you in different ways. An open-mouth breather could cause oral health problems that are better avoided. These are the dangers of breathing through an open mouth.
Mouth Breathing and a Dry Mouth
The biggest problem with mouth breathing is that it can lead to a dry mouth. The saliva glands in your mouth help in many ways. The saliva helps wash away debris and bacteria left on the teeth and gums. It keeps the skin tissue moist and healthy. When you breathe through the mouth, the amount of saliva present will go down. You will lose the benefits of having a moist mouth. When your mouth starts to dry out, more bacteria can grow. You can also develop dry skin and cracked lips that provide more space for bacteria to grow. This puts your entire oral health at risk. You are more prone to tooth decay, gingivitis and cracked or broken teeth when you are a mouth breather.
How to Know and What to Do
The problem is that many people do not realize they are a mouth breather. The most common cause of mouth breathing is clogged sinuses. You are not sable to breathe through your nose, so you breath through your mouth. Some of the signs of mouth breathing include snoring, bad breath, and chronic fatigue.
If you do suffer from mouth breathing, you need to do something about it. Medications that help with nasal congestion can make it easier to breathe through the nose. Strops attached to the nose while you sleep may open the airways. For someone suffering from sleep apnea, appliances that help with this can stop the mouth breathing.
If you notice the signs of mouth breathing, take the time to find out how you can change it before you cause any damage. Call us and schedule an appointment for us to take a look around your mouth.
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Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
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