Is Mouth Breathing Bad For My Teeth? – Here’s What You Need to Know

01 October 2024

Is Mouth Breathing Bad For My Teeth? – Here’s What You Need to Know

Most of us breathe without giving it a second thought. After all, it’s something the body does automatically without any conscious effort on our part. However, it’s important to pay attention to how you breathe. While most of us breathe through our noses, others subconsciously breathe through their mouths. While mouth breathing may seem pretty harmless, it can impact oral health.

But is mouth breathing bad for teeth?

In a word, yes, or at least, it can be. In this post, we’ll discuss the causes of mouth breathing, how it affects oral health, and what you can do to protect your smile. So, let’s get started ….

What is mouth breathing?

Mouth breathing occurs when a person breathes through their mouth instead of their nose. This may be because the person is unable to breathe through their nose because of nasal congestion or a cold,  or because of bad habits formed in early life.

Studies suggest that 30-50% of adults are regular mouth-breathers. This can lead to consequences for teeth, gums, and overall oral hygiene.

Essentially, mouth breathing isn’t just limited to adults. It’s also prevalent in Children. Studies suggest the number of young mouth breathers ranges from 11 to 56%.

How does mouth breathing impact oral health?

The relationship between breathing habits and oral health is complex, specifically regarding how mouth breathing affects saliva levels, gum health, and tooth decay.

In children, for instance, chronic mouth breathing can affect the development of facial bones, resulting in a face and jaw that is long and narrow; which, in turn, affects the alignment of the teeth and jaw, resulting in malocclusions that complicate oral hygiene and overall health.

In adults, some of the most significant issues caused by mouth breathing include:

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

Mouth breathing dries the saliva that otherwise keeps the oral cavity (mouth) moist. Saliva is vital to good oral health because it neutralises acids and washes away food particles and bacteria, playing a vital role in the maintenance of oral health. A lack of saliva leads to a dry mouth which not only feels uncomfortable but increases the risk of tooth decay, cavities, and bad breath.

Increased Risk of Gum Disease

Mouth breathing is also bad for the gums as explained in a study published in BioMed Research International (BRI). When a person breathes through their mouth, the air flows across the soft tissues, causing them to dry out. This can lead to inflammation and irritation of the gums which can escalate to gum disease without treatment.

Tooth Decay and Cavities

Another complication of mouth breathing is tooth decay. In the same BRI study, researchers compared a group of mouth breathers to those who primarily breathed through their nose. The mouth-breathing group showed higher plaque buildup on their teeth and a greater presence of Streptococcus mutans, a type of bacteria commonly linked to tooth decay.

Acid Erosion

Breathing through the mouth can also lead to acid erosion. As the air dries out the mouth, it becomes harder for the saliva to neutralise stomach acids that can regurgitate into the mouth. Over time, this causes enamel erosion, sensitive teeth, and an increased risk of cavities.

Sleep Apnoea

Many mouth breathers also suffer from sleep apnoea, a condition where breathing is interrupted during sleep. This can exacerbate dental problems because sleep apnoea is heavily linked to a condition known as bruxism (nocturnal teeth grinding) which can wear down the enamel over time, severely weakening the tooth

So now you know that mouth breathing is bad for your teeth, how can you prevent mouth breathing in the first place?

Prevention of Mouth Breathing

Treat the underlying cause

Mouth breathing is often caused by conditions such as sinus problems, allergies and nasal congestion. Diagnosis and treatment from your doctor may help you change the way you breathe. Depending on its severity, treatments like nasal sprays, antihistamines or even surgery may be recommended.

Use a humidifier

A humidifier placed in a bedroom can help prevent a person’s throat and mouth from drying out at night while they sleep.

Staying hydrated

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help maintain a moist mouth. Doing so reduces the effects of dry mouth caused by mouth breathing. You can also use over-the-counter oral moisturisers to maintain moisture levels.

Visit your dentist regularly

Regular dental visits are critical if you’re a mouth breather. Dentists can spot the early signs of tooth decay and gum disease before they become severe.

Take action today!

If you suspect mouth breathing is bad for your teeth, why not schedule a consultation with the experienced team at Cheadle Hulme Dental? We can assess your oral health, recommend treatments to protect your smile and work with you to find a solution to your problem. Call us today on 0161 486 0743 or use our online booking service.