Mouth breathing: did you know about its impact on oral health?

Mouth breathing, especially when asleep, can cause huge problems for one’s oral health.

In children, amongst the concerns are facial abnormalities, crowded teeth, tooth decay and even behavioural consequences later on.

Adults also face oral complications such as an increase in decayed teeth, and gum diseases. It can also worsen symptoms of other illnesses.

To identify this problem and treat it from an early stage, especially in children, is of paramount importance.

Breathing through the mouth only becomes necessary when you have nasal congestion due to allergies or a cold. Also, when you are exercising strenuously, mouth breathing can help get oxygen to your muscles faster.

Even so, breathing through the mouth all the time, including when you’re sleeping, can lead to problems as mentioned above.

Did you know?

Mouth breathing and grinding can lead to headaches, neck pain and poor posture. Proper posture and a pain-free life start with a proper oral posture, oral care, and good oral habits.

Further reading:

Healthline: Mouth Breathing: Symptoms, Complications, and Treatments
Sinus & Nasal Specialists of Louisiana: Mouth breathing vs nose breathing
Dr Bonne 360: What is Oral Posture & Why Should You Care?
Straighten teeth the natural way with Myobrace
Myobrace is a preventive pre-orthodontic treatment that focuses on addressing the underlying causes of crooked teeth, often without the need for braces, allowing for natural growth and development.

Dr Ravena Naidoo is a registered Myobrace practitioner.

For more information or to book an appointment contact us!

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