Mouth breathing is a common reaction when the nasal passages are blocked. Many people might do it unconsciously without even realizing it. However, you need to know that chronic mouth breathing can negatively impact your oral health. Although it can feel innocent enough, this common condition is known for causing several dental problems. The list is long and includes issues such as dry mouth, gum disease, and tooth decay. Find out more about those issues and how you can prevent them from being treated by a Boynton Beach dentist.
The Basics of Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing is when you breathe air in and out of your mouth instead of your nose. This sometimes occurs for short periods, such as when you have a cold or allergies. It can also happen when you have been exercising, and when it develops into a habit. A healthy mouth benefits greatly from nasal breathing, which helps keep the oral cavity moist. It also filters out harmful particles from our air, and even helps regulate air temperature and humidity. Our nose is specially designed to control airflow, which is really important for maintaining good oral health. When we breathe through the mouth instead, we skip over these natural filters. This process makes it harder to keep our mouths in top shape.
Mouth Breathing: What It Does to Your Teeth
Here are the issues that occurred due to mouth breathing:
Dry Mouth and Tooth Decay
Mouth breathing results in dry mouth, when the flow of saliva is reduced. Saliva is essential for balancing acids produced by bacteria, rinsing away food and helping to prevent tooth decay. Without enough saliva, the teeth are more susceptible to decay, plaque, and surface wear.
Increased Plaque and Gum Disease
Bacteria and plaque are more likely to stick to your teeth when you breathe through your mouth. Plaque, a sticky film consisting of food and bacteria, can irritate the gums and lead to gum disease. Left unprotected by saliva, your gums are susceptible to infection and inflammation, a condition known as gingivitis.
Misalignment of Teeth
Yet another consequence of mouth breathing, particularly in kids, is the risk of dental malocclusion. When a child constantly breathes from their mouth, it slows down jaw and face development. The constant pressure exerted by an open mouth can make teeth shift or come in wrong. This constant practice leads to crooked teeth and bite problems, namely overbite or underbite.
Mouth Breathing on the Gums
The effect this daily practice has on your gum health:
Gum Inflammation
When you breathe through your mouth, your oral mucosa dries out, leading to irritation and inflammation of your gums. As the mouth gets more dehydrated, the gums become swollen and more likely to bleed. This can also cause eating, speaking, and even brushing your teeth to hurt even more.
Increased Risk of Periodontal Disease
When you chronically breathe through your mouth, your gums can start to recede. During the process, they become more susceptible to bacterial infiltration. The build-up of bacteria and plaque can put you at risk of periodontal disease, which in turn, can cause tooth loss if left untreated.
Preventing Mouth Breathing Harm
The good news is that there are things you can do to minimize the effects of mouth breathing on your dental health.
Breathing Exercises: Breathing exercises can help retrain your body to switch from mouth to nose breathing. They also work while you’re sleeping.
See your Dentist: If mouth breathing is a persistent problem, see the dentist for professional advice. A dentist can examine your teeth and gums and prescribe any necessary treatments to treat the resulting oral complications.
Why Should You Visit A Dentist Regularly?
While nasal breathing and lifestyle changes can be beneficial, it is also important to continue visiting your dentist. A dentist in Boynton Beach can help you develop a plan for how to address mouth breathing and monitor oral health. They can make recommendations for treatment, including prescribed toothpaste, to address the impact of dry mouth. By visiting your dentist regularly, you minimise the risk of developing gum disease or tooth decay and enable early intervention. The sooner these problems are found, the simpler they are to treat.
Ready to Protect Your Oral Health
Are you mouth breathing, which is a source of worry regarding your oral health? If yes, then contact us at Ocean Dental Studio Boynton Beach now. We offer you the appropriate advice on keeping your teeth and gums safe. Schedule your visit with our dentist in Boynton Beach today to get professional guidance and compassionate care. Take the first step on the path to health and happiness!
