It is perfectly natural to breathe through your mouth at certain times, such as when lifting a heavy load or exercising. Breathing through the mouth as the primary source of breathing can cause health problems. These problems can be especially severe for children because it can affect the long-term development of the face. Primitively, our bodies are designed to bring air in through our nose.  The nose is designed to act as a natural humidifier and filtering system for the air we breathe. Ideal breathing consists of breathing in and out only through the nose. When we can’t get enough air through our nose, however, the mouth takes over. Breathing through the mouth most of the time was not nature’s intent. When this happens, problems can occur.

Mouth breathing is simply a habit. This mannerism changes the tone of the facial muscles. Below are the most common reasons for the establishment of mouth breathing:

1. Allergies

2. Thumb or finger sucking habit

3. Low tongue posture

4. A physical restriction in the tongue

5. Enlarged tonsils or adenoids

6. Chronic nasal congestion

7. Respiratory infection

Each of these factors or a history of any one of them make it physically difficult for a person to nasal breathe. If nasal breathing is not possible, the body’s only choice is to mouth breathe. In less than 4 minutes, permanent damage occurs without oxygen. The body will then begin utilizing the emergency access hole (the mouth) allow you to continue to live, but without all the other benefits of nasal breathing.

Over time, mouth breathing weakens the muscles of the tongue; it can develop into low tongue posture or an abnormal swallowing pattern. This can affect speech, swallowing, breathing, and chewing in problematic ways.

Nasal Breathing

Breathing through your nose is a primitive function of the body. This means that we were born doing it, naturally, unless an abnormality has occurred. Nasal breathing allows for filtering, humidifying, and warming of the air. While it is true that nasal breathing doesn’t allow for a large in take of air, like mouth breathing, slowing down the volume of air that enters the lungs is a mechanism that allows more time for oxygen exchange. This results in a 10 to 20 percent increase of oxygen uptake.

There are many benefits to nasal breathing:

1. Air is filtered in order to remove: dust, dirt, pollen, dander and other allergens.

2. Nitric oxide is produced in the nose that kills bacteria and viruses, increases blood flow, allows for better oxygen absorption in the lungs.

3. Moisture is added to the air before it reaches the lungs.

4. Temperature and speed is adjusted to make it easier for the lungs to utilize the air.

5. Improves lung volume.

6. Allows for diaphragmatic breathing.

7. Activates parasympathetic (calming) nervous system.

8. Decreases anxiety.

9. Makes you less likely to cough

10. Improves athletic performance