Photo by Kampus Production.

The term “mouth breather” has unfortunately been an insulting slur since early in the 20th century, when medical science was just beginning to figure out that chronic breathing through the mouth, technically labeled “chronic oral ventilation,” can cause a range of medical and dental problems.

The negative application of the term, meaning a dull or unintelligent person, may derive from association with people with Down’s Syndrome, who often have nasal breathing difficulties and must breathe through the mouth by necessity. 

While understanding the purpose of human capacity for cruelty may forever elude us in a search for its evolutionary meaning, the condition of mouth breathing is gaining recognition as a health issue worthy of serious attention.

Causes of mouth breathing

Mouth breathing is often caused by some sort of physical obstruction.

Mouth breathing can be a temporary issue caused by blocked nasal passages from a respiratory virus or allergies, or it can be a chronic or habitual way of breathing necessitated by a variety of structural anomalies.

Mouth breathing is often caused by some sort of physical obstruction, such as enlarged adenoids or tonsils (lymphatic tissue that sits at the back of the throat), or abnormally large turbinates (bony structures within the nostrils, covered by soft tissue, that regulate the coming and going of air). A deviated septum can also contribute to mouth breathing, as can chronic allergies, nasal polyps, or obstructive sleep apnea.

Symptoms of mouth breathing

Mouth breathing is often more prevalent at night during sleep and, as such, can have negative impacts on the quality of rest, which carries over into waking life as unusual daytime fatigue and irritability.

Symptoms that can be observed at night include dry mouth, snoring, drool on the pillow, and bad breath upon awakening. 

Saliva’s protective properties are suspended when dry mouth is present, leading to dental issues such as increased decay, worsening gingivitis (gum disease), and increased risk of bacterial infection in the mouth.

Nitric Oxide (NO) production only occurs with nose breathing. The NO molecule is responsible for a number of the body’s essential functions, including improved respiratory fitness and better delivery of oxygen to the cells. NO also acts as an oral antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. For mouth breathers, the lack of these benefits negatively impacts quality of life.

Nose breathing

Nose breathing stimulates the parasympathetic, or “rest and digest”, nervous system.

Nineteenth century American renaissance man George Catlin observed through extensive travels among Native American populations that native mothers closed the mouths of their infants to encourage nose breathing, and that native populations believed that mouth breathing led to a weak body and susceptibility to disease, whereas nose breathing led to a stronger constitution. Catlin also observed that Native Americans generally had perfectly straight teeth.

Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, Dr. John Douillard, is a strong advocate of nose breathing, even during aerobic exercise, which we usually associate with heavy breathing through the mouth. According to Douillard, nose breathing stimulates the parasympathetic, or “rest and digest”, nervous system. With nose breathing, the lower lobes of the lungs are filled and a more efficient release of carbon dioxide waste is therefore achieved. Douillard also asserts that slower, deeper breaths are taken through the nose, reducing the sense of being “out of breath” and that even the most vigorous workouts can produce a sense of calm. 

Still in need of more detailed study, the practice of mouth taping is becoming more widespread and is a hot topic among holistic dentists. Mouth taping is the use of surgical tape to keep the lips closed, forcing nose breathing. Before trying mouth taping, it is important to discuss it with your provider or your dentist to make sure that your mouth breathing is not due to a condition with which it would be dangerous to only breathe through the nose. Those afflicted with sleep apnea, reflux disease, COPD, and asthma might not be able to become full-time nose breathers and should avoid mouth taping. Anyone with occasional allergies or viruses that block nose breathing should also avoid mouth taping until their nasal passages clear.

Mouth breathing in childhood

When identified in childhood, mouth breathing can be a sign of or precursor to serious conditions. “Mouth breathing face” refers to an abnormally long facial shape development including a receding chin and shortened upper lip, facial features that appear flat, and protruding teeth. Research has also suggested growth issues due to the pituitary gland being unable to release normal amounts of growth hormone when mouth breathing face creates deformities of the shape of a child’s airways. Children with chronic oral ventilation should also be checked for obstructive sleep apnea, a disorder that causes breathing to stop and start irregularly during sleep, leading to all kinds of behavioral and medical issues.

Treatments

Experimentation with sleep positioning might help position the airway to work more efficiently.

Once the cause of chronic oral ventilation is determined, treatments specific to the identified cause are available to restore or improve nose breathing.

For temporary conditions, antihistamines, decongestants, and antibiotics can help clear stuffy noses and sinus infections. A neti pot (a device that irrigates nasal passages) can be used to unclog the nose.

For structural obstructions, surgery may be required to allow better airway function.

Experimentation with sleep positioning might help position the airway to work more efficiently.

Tongue and facial exercises can strengthen and restore function to muscles weakened by chronic mouth breathing.

Use of a humidifier can reduce the effects of dry mouth.

For children, there are orthodontic devices that can help restore natural shape during growth of the airway, tongue, and jaw.

If you or your child is showing signs of chronic mouth breathing, such as dry mouth, a puddle of drool on your pillow, or unexplained irritability or fatigue, talk to your provider or even your dentist and find out if mouth breathing might be the cause. Once your specific situation is understood, treatment could have life changing positive effects on your energy levels and your resistance to illness.

Ann Constantino, submitted on behalf of the SoHum Health’s Outreach department.