How to stop mouth breathing.
Breathing is one of the most important functions in your body. To breathe, you use two air passageways to bring fresh oxygen into your lungs — through either the nose or mouth and then release carbon dioxide and other waste out from them.
Stop mouth breathing for your health
Healthy people usually employ both their nasal passages for breathing as well as using their mouths when necessary such as during periods with a cold or allergies due to reduced airflow through these channels; however it can be very dangerous if done excessively including while sleeping where children may not always have sufficient protection against respiratory illnesses like pneumonia because they are less able than adults do defend themselves by coughing effectively at night!
Mouth breathing can have a devastating effect on both children and adults. Children often suffer from crooked teeth, facial deformities, or poor growth due to the lack of oxygen that mouth breathers experience. Adults with chronic cases may develop bad breath and gum disease. It can also worsen their symptoms for illnesses such as asthma and diabetes.
Taking full advantage of your oxygen supply requires using the nostrils to initiate each breath. But people who use their mouths to gasp for air tend to suffer consequences. The oxygen level in the blood remains much lower than those of nose-breathers.
Did you just stop and analyze your own technique? How can you switch from mouth to nose, especially if you habitually use your mouth to take in air? The good news: the best solution to stop mouth breathing is one of the
7 Recommended Ways to Stop Mouth Breathing.
1. Practice
Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. What has probably stopped you from breathing correctly is not your lack of knowledge about breathing techniques. It’s more likely that you just need to be aware and practice.
2. Clearing any nose blockage
It may seem obvious, but many people breathe through the mouth because their nose is blocked. By blowing your nose or using a nasal wash, you can clear your nasal passage of obstructions.
3. Stress Reduction
When people are stressed, their breathing is more rushed. You are more likely to use your mouth to take deep breaths during stressful situations. You may need to see a doctor or change your environment but reducing stress will help improve the way you breathe.
4. The right pillows
If you struggle with mouth breathing when you are sleeping, try changing the height of your head. Prop your head up with an extra pillow or use a thicker pillow.
5. Exercise
By exercising regularly with a regimen of a daily walk or run, you will increase your need for deep breaths; and your nose will naturally take the breathing away from your mouth.
6. See a therapist
A Myofunctional therapist helps by using exercises to retrain your facial muscles to operate in a way that improves your breathing.
7. Surgery
If these suggestions don’t work, you may have an issue with how your nose is constructed. Talk to your doctor about the surgeries that are available. It might mean the difference between breathing properly or being a mouth breather the rest of your life.
What are the Advantages of Nose Breathing?
The nose is a fascinating organ that deserves to be studied more. It acts as an air filter and retains small particles in the air, including pollen; and adds moisture to the lungs and bronchial tubes when necessary; it warms up cold air before we breathe them into our lungs. The nose also makes breathing difficult by adding resistance to the inhaled breath— this helps keep us healthy because increased oxygen uptake strengthens lung elasticity.
Symptoms of Mouth Breathing at Night
- Brain Fog
- Snoring
- Waking Up Tired and Irritable
- Chronic Fatigue
- Dry Mouth
- Bad Breath
- Hoarseness
- Dark Circles Under the Eyes
What causes mouth breathing?
The most common cause of mouth breathing is an obstructed or blocked nasal airway. It prevents air from smoothly passing through the nostrils into the nose. When this happens your body automatically resorts to the other location to gain oxygen which is your mouth.
What Causes Blocked Nasal Passages?
- Allergies can affect the inside of your nose leading to nasal congestion.
- Nasal polyps, a benign growth in the lining of your nose are also common when you have allergies and cause more swelling (congestion).
- Allergies aren’t all that threaten someone’s breathing though as other conditions like colds or sinus infections could cause inflammation which may lead to enlarged adenoids, tonsils, septum deviation; these are not life-threatening but they will make things worse for asthma sufferers.
- Finally, there are tumors such as cysts in children that must be watched closely because if left untreated they might turn into cancerous cells.
Treatments to Stop Mouth Breathing
- Nasal Decongestants
- Saline Mist
- Antihistamines and allergy medications
- Steroid Nasal Sprays
- Nasal Dilators or adhesive strips are applied to the bridge of the nose.
- CPAP Machines
- Surgical removal of swollen tonsils and adenoids
- Keeping the house clean and allergen-free
- Actively using and changing air filters
- Consciously practice breathing through your nose during the day.
When mouth breathing is left untreated, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Poor sleep can reduce the quality of your life and increase your stress levels.
If you have any questions or concerns about how to stop mouth breathing, don’t hesitate to contact us today!