Dried lip skin of 6 years old boy. Closeup

Mouth Breathing

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What can happen if I primarily breathe through my mouth? 

Mouth breathing can cause a range of symptoms that can affect all parts of our body from our teeth to our digestive system. Some of these symptoms include:

  • Underdeveloped upper and lower jaws
  • Crowded and poorly aligned teeth
  • Orthodontic relapse
  • Changes to facial appearance
  • Stomach pain and problems
  • Delayed speech and language development in children
  • ADD and ADHD-like symptoms in children
  • Poor sleep

What causes mouth breathing?

Specific causes of mouth breathing can include:

  • Food sensitivities and allergies
  • Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
  • Chronic nasal congestion
  • Respiratory infection
  • Asthma
  • Deviated septum
  • Nasal polyps

Each of these issues can make it difficult or impossible for a person to breathe through their nose, and when this happens, their only option is to breathe through their mouth. If this isn’t corrected, it can become a habit that’s set for life.