Nasal Breathing and Oral Health
Nasal breathing plays an essential role in maintaining oral health. Our noses filter dust, allergens, and pathogens through the mucosal lining and nasal hair. Nasal breathing enables the filtration, warming, and humidification of air. This process reduces the risk of dryness in the throat and mouth. Additionally, nasal breathing activates the production of nitric oxide, which has antimicrobial properties that can contribute to a healthier oral environment.
Importantly, nasal breathing promotes saliva production, which is crucial for neutralizing acids in the mouth as well as washing away food particles and bacteria that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. When we habitually breathe through our mouths, we tend to experience dry mouth, which contributes to cavities and gum disease. Additionally, mouth breathing can lead to bad breath and changes in the oral microbiome, which worsen oral health.
Nasal breathing promotes a better pH balance in our mouths, while mouth breathing increases CO2 loss, thereby altering the pH balance of our mouths. This dynamic increases oral acidity, causing tooth enamel erosion and bacterial overgrowth. This combination of oral acidity and reduced saliva production, often associated with mouth breathing, further accelerates tooth decay and gum disease.
The improved oxygenation of our bodies, supported by nasal breathing, can lead to better sleep quality, enhanced physical and cognitive performance, and reduced stress levels, all of which have a positive impact on oral health. Conversely, mouth breathing can lead to snoring and sleep apnea, conditions that contribute to teeth grinding, which in turn damages tooth enamel and the jaw joints.
There are several steps we can take to promote nasal breathing and support good oral health.
Promptly treat any allergies or nasal obstructions to avoid relying on mouth breathing for prolonged periods.
Maintaining good posture, oral habits, and nasal breathing throughout the day.
Utilize mouth tape while sleeping to ensure nasal breathing.
It is essential to note that nasal breathing supports proper jaw alignment and facial development in children. Breathing through the nose allows the tongue to maintain correct positioning against the roof of the mouth. Correct tongue posture helps maintain the natural structure of the dental arch, guiding the growth of the palate and jaw and preventing crooked teeth, a narrow palate, and long-face syndrome.
Adopting a habit of nasal breathing can significantly benefit oral health by promoting proper air filtration and humidification, preventing dry mouth, supporting pH balance in the oral biome, supporting jaw development, and reducing the risk of sleep-disordered breathing. Mouth breathing harms our oral health. Be a nasal breather.
top photo credit Christian GAFENESCH
lower photo credit: Sarah Small
That is my Breath. That is my Power.
May you find the power of your breath.
