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Mouth Breathing
Breathe better, sleep better
Are you aware that how you breathe could affect your overall health and well-being? Mouth breathing, a common but often overlooked habit, can affect various aspects of your life.
From sleep quality to facial development, its effects are far-reaching. Discover the importance of proper breathing and how Myofunctional Therapy could be the key to unlocking a healthier, more vibrant you.
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Mouth breathing might seem harmless, but its repercussions can extend beyond mere inconvenience.
When you breathe better, you live better!
Visual Signs:
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Open mouth
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Strained lip seal
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Gummy smile
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Overextended maxilla
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Larger lower lip
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Deep chin crease/chin dimpling
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Retracted chin
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Steep angle of mandible
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Tongue tie
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Audible breathing
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Snoring
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Dry mouth
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Dark circles under the eyes
Chronic mouth breathing can lead to a range of health issues including:
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Impaired Sleep Quality:
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​Mouth breathing is associated with poor sleep patterns, leading to fatigue, irritability, and decreased cognitive function.
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Orthodontic and Facial Development Issues:
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Prolonged mouth breathing in childhood can affect facial growth, leading to dental malocclusions, crowded teeth, and changes in facial appearance.
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Increased Risk of Dental Problems:
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Mouth breathing often contributes to dry mouth, promoting the growth of harmful bacteria and increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
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Breathing Pattern Disorders:
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Chronic mouth breathing may disrupt the balance between the two primary breathing pathways, causing oxygen and carbon dioxide levels imbalances.
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Grinding (bruxism) and clenching
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Snoring and/or sleep apnea
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Orthodontic relapse
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Narrow arches (upper / lower jaw), malocclusion (crowding/crossbite)
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Slow/messy eating, choking, gagging
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Digestive concerns
How can myofunctional therapy help?
By addressing the root causes of these habits, Myofunctional Therapy aims to:
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Restore Nasal Breathing: Through targeted exercises, Myofunctional Therapy helps individuals transition from mouth to nasal breathing, promoting better oxygenation and improving overall respiratory function.
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Facilitate Proper Tongue Posture: Correct tongue posture is crucial for oral and facial development. Myofunctional Therapy guides individuals to achieve and maintain proper tongue posture for optimal health.
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Strengthen Orofacial Muscles: Targeted exercises help strengthen the muscles of the face and mouth, promoting improved muscle tone and function.
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Enhance Swallowing Patterns: Myofunctional Therapy addresses improper swallowing patterns associated with mouth breathing, contributing to more balanced and natural swallowing.