Why mouth breathing is a problem for your health

Do you ever wake up in the morning with a really dry mouth? Or when you walk up the stairs do you find yourself with your mouth open gasping for air? You might be a bit of a mouth breather. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of breathing through your nose.

How we breathe and the profound impact it has on our health is discussed in Nestor (2020). One of the key takeaways from the book is the contrast between nasal breathing and mouth breathing—a seemingly simple difference with major implications for our wellbeing.

Nasal breathing is the optimal way to breathe. When we breathe through our noses, the air is filtered, warmed, and humidified before it reaches our lungs, helping to protect us from pollutants and harmful bacteria. Nasal passages also release nitric oxide, a molecule that enhances oxygen absorption in the lungs, relaxes blood vessels, and improves circulation. These benefits support overall cardiovascular health, bolster immune defenses, and even improve mental clarity and sleep quality.

On the other hand, chronic mouth breathing can have negative consequences. Mouth breathing bypasses the body's natural filtration system, leading to more frequent illnesses, allergies, and respiratory issues. It also promotes over-breathing, reducing the amount of oxygen delivered to cells, which can lead to fatigue, stress, and lower cognitive function. Mouth breathing has also been linked to oral health problems like gum disease and cavities, as well as structural changes in the face, such as a narrowed jaw and sleep apnea.

Nasal breathing can improve energy levels, reduce anxiety, enhance athletic performance, and even extend lifespan. By paying more attention to how we breathe, we can unlock significant health benefits that most of us have unknowingly been missing out on.

In summary, nasal breathing isn't just a minor adjustment—it's a vital, often overlooked aspect of maintaining optimal health and well-being.

Nasal breathing is beneficial throughout the day, but for some of us it can be challenging (we will discuss this in a future blog post). Whether you are participating in exercise, fast asleep or going about daily life, nasal breathing can make a big difference to your health and wellbeing. At Breath and Balance, we stock non-surgical devices that promote nasal breathing.

• Nasal dilators such as our Silent Mammoth expand the airways in your nose allowing you to breathe in more air. See this blog post for more information on nasal dilators.
• The Airwaav PX2 helps correct the posture of your jaw and improve your bite. This promotes good tongue posture to expand the airways.