Nose Breathing vs Mouth Breathing and its effect on Oral Health

You might not think much about how you breathe, but the way you do it - through your mouth or nose can have a huge impact on your oral health. While both keep you alive only one truly supports a healthy smile.

Mouth breathing, especially at night, can dry out your mouth, which means less saliva to protect your teeth and gums. Without enough saliva, bacteria and acids stick around longer, leading to more cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Mouth breathing can also affect facial development in kids, sometimes causing narrow jaws or crowded teeth. Over time, it can even change how your teeth and jaw align. It might also contribute to issues like snoring and poor sleep quality in adults, showing it’s not just an oral health problem—it’s a whole-body concern.

On the other hand, nose breathing is much healthier for your mouth. Your nose filters, humidifies, and warms the air you breathe, which helps maintain a healthy level of moisture in your mouth which helps keep bacteria under control. It also helps position your tongue and jaw properly, which reduces dental issues in the long run.

Switching to nose breathing doesn’t just help your teeth—it improves your overall health. So next time you catch yourself breathing through your mouth, try closing it. Your smile will thank you!