What can happen when we breathe through the mouth instead of through the nose

Did you know that newborns cannot breathe through their mouths? Yes, that’s right. Only around 6 months of age do babies discover that there is another way to breathe. However, even though mouth breathing works seemingly without problems, in the long run it can be very harmful.

With that in mind, the awesome.club researched what can happen to our body when we breathe through the mouth and not through the nose.

Those who breathe through the mouth eventually begin to notice a change in the structure of the face, which becomes more forward and downward. This is even clearer in children, as their faces are still developing. As a person breathes through the mouth, the jaw and cheeks thin out, which also ends up causing a change in the shape of the nose.

There may also be a narrowing of the nostrils and upper lip, as well as a change in the bite, which is more open and more forward.

When we breathe through our mouths, we unconsciously lean our head forward, causing our shoulders to drop. The result of this movement is a curved posture, created as an alternative to opening the airways.

Mouth breathing negatively affects the alignment of teeth. Many children who prefer mouth breathing end up with crooked teeth and a bad bite. The posture of the lips at rest and the position of the tongue also change, and dental treatment in this case can be quite complicated.

When you breathe through your mouth, less oxygen and more carbon dioxide enter your body, causing most of your body’s systems to suffer. In addition, you may start snoring and drooling, as well as suffering from chronic oxygen deprivation and sleep apnea. In some cases it is recommended to use an adhesive tape in the mouth at night to help with breathing through the nose.

Do you usually breathe more through your mouth or nose? If you know other effects of mouth breathing, please share them in the comments.