Is mouth breathing harmful?

Doctor's Answer

Thank you for your question. I agree with Dr Gan's explanation from the ENT standpoint. From the dental standpoint, long term breathing through the mouth also has a harmful impact on dental and facial development.

When patient are breathing through the mouth, the mouth is often apart and the cheek muscles press on the teeth, causing the dental arch shape to become very narrow and crowding of teeth. The teeth may further erupt in a vertical direction resulting in the mandible growing in a vertical and backward direction.

An anterior open bite (upper and lower front teeth does not meet) may develop in severe cases. A narrow dental arch can further impact on tongue space available hence may result in a narrowing of the airway which predispose patients to snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea or a forward tongue posture which may worsen anterior open bite. These dental problems will often need orthodontic treatment to be corrected.

I would urge you to see a ENT Specialist for further assessment to find out the cause of the mouth breathing if you are showing some associated symptoms as mentioned by Dr Gan, and seek treatment with an orthodontist familiar with sleep medicine for management of your related dental problems.

Warmest Regards,

Dr Enrica Sham

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