Every breath you take plays a bigger role in your health than you realize, especially when it comes to your smile.
Mouth breathing might seem harmless, but over time, it can quietly impact the health of your teeth and gums without you even noticing. What starts as just a habit can lead to changes in the way your mouth feels, looks, and functions, leaving your smile more vulnerable than you ever imagined.
At Smile Life Dental, we believe your smile deserves every chance to thrive. Recognizing the signs of mouth breathing and how it affects your oral health is the first step toward protecting your smile and overall well-being.
The Negative Effects of Mouth Breathing
When you breathe through your mouth, here’s how it can affect your oral health:
- Dry mouth
- Bad breath
- Tooth decay
Orthodontic Treatments for Breathing Issues
Several orthodontic treatments can improve nasal airflow and encourage proper breathing, such as:
- Palatal expanders — These oral appliances widen your upper jaw and create more space for your tongue.
- Braces — Traditional braces can correct jaw misalignment and improve nasal breathing.
- Clear aligners — Clear aligner therapy can also improve nasal breathing.
Tips for Training Yourself to Breathe through Your Nose
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to make breathing through your nose easier. Consider these tips:
- Practice proper breathing — Deep, diaphragmatic rather than shallow breathing encourages you to breathe through your nose. Inhale deeply through your nose and exhale slowly through your nose. Try to keep your chest still.
- Keep your nasal passages clear — Use saline solution to remove mucus or allergens from your nose. This can make air flow more easily through your nose.
- Use a humidifier — When you add moisture to the air, it can make it easier to breathe through your nose. Try using a humidifier at night.
- Eliminate allergens — Allergies can make breathing through your nose difficult, so try keeping the windows closed and using an air purifier to improve your breathing efficiency.
Oral Health Questions in Wilmington, MA?
If you have questions or concerns about your oral health, don’t hesitate to contact our dental office! Our caring dental team can answer your questions and help you schedule an appointment if you need it.
To reach us, call (978) 657-4550.
We look forward to hearing from you.