top of page

Mouth Breathing 
Breathe better, live better

Are you aware that how you breathe could affect your overall health and well-being? Mouth breathing, a common but often overlooked habit, can affect various aspects of your life.

 

From sleep quality to facial development, its effects are far-reaching. Discover the importance of proper breathing and how Myofunctional Therapy could be the key to unlocking a healthier, more vibrant you.

​

Mouth breathing might seem harmless, but its repercussions can extend beyond mere inconvenience.

When you breathe better, you live better!

Visual Signs:

  • Open mouth

  • Strained lip seal

  • Gummy smile

  • Overextended maxilla

  • Larger lower lip

  • Deep chin crease/chin dimpling

  • Retracted chin

  • Steep angle of mandible 

  • Tongue tie

  • Audible breathing

  • Snoring

  • Dry mouth

  • Dark circles under the eyes 

Open mouth posture and indentation under lower lip demonstrating mouth breathing habit
Gummy smile / over-extended maxilla demonstrating sign of incorrect oral rest posture and/or mouth breathing
Strained lip seal indicating mouth breathing
Steep mandibular plane commonly seen in those with a mouth breathing habit

Chronic mouth breathing can lead to a range of health issues including:
 

​

  • Impaired Sleep Quality:

    • ​Mouth breathing is associated with poor sleep patterns, leading to fatigue, irritability, and decreased cognitive function.

  • Orthodontic and Facial Development Issues:

    • Prolonged mouth breathing in childhood can affect facial growth, leading to dental malocclusions, crowded teeth, and changes in facial appearance.

  • Increased Risk of Dental Problems:

    • Mouth breathing often contributes to dry mouth, promoting the growth of harmful bacteria and increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

  • Breathing Pattern Disorders:

    • Chronic mouth breathing may disrupt the balance between the two primary breathing pathways, causing oxygen and carbon dioxide levels imbalances.

  • Grinding (bruxism) and clenching

  • Snoring and/or sleep apnea

  • Orthodontic relapse

  • Narrow arches (upper / lower jaw), malocclusion (crowding/crossbite)

  • Slow/messy eating, choking, gagging

  • Digestive concerns 

How can myofunctional therapy help?

By addressing the root causes of these habits, Myofunctional Therapy aims to:

  1. Restore Nasal Breathing: Through targeted exercises, Myofunctional Therapy helps individuals transition from mouth to nasal breathing, promoting better oxygenation and improving overall respiratory function.

  2. Facilitate Proper Tongue Posture: Correct tongue posture is crucial for oral and facial development. Myofunctional Therapy guides individuals to achieve and maintain proper tongue posture for optimal health.

  3. Strengthen Orofacial Muscles: Targeted exercises help strengthen the muscles of the face and mouth, promoting improved muscle tone and function.

  4. Enhance Swallowing Patterns: Myofunctional Therapy addresses improper swallowing patterns associated with mouth breathing, contributing to more balanced and natural swallowing.

bottom of page