While nasal breathing offers numerous benefits, some individuals face structural issues that force them to breathe through their mouth. Jaw surgery can fix mouth breathing by opening up nasal passages. Proper jaw alignment reduces obstructions, making breathing through the nose easier.
What Causes Mouth Breathing
According to the Handbook of Pediatric Dentistry, mouth breathing is a common habit that affects about 35 percent of children above the age of 8 years. This habit is also common in adulthood and is mainly caused by airway obstruction. When the airway is obstructed, people then make mouth breathing a habit.
This habit comes with many health risks, including reduced oxygen intake, sleep disruptions, and oral health risks. People who breathe through the mouth often suffer from a dry mouth, gum disease, and cavities.
How Does Jaw Surgery Fix Mouth Breathing?
Jaw surgery aligns the jaws into their proper position. This has two main benefits:
Opening Nasal Passages
Jaw surgery, such as maxillomandibular advancement (MMA), moves the jaws forward, clearing the airway of any obstruction. Other surgeries focus on the movement of soft tissues, such as the tonsils, to expand the airway, making it natural and easy to breathe through the nose.
Improves Oral Health
By resolving mouth breathing, jaw surgery reduces the dry mouth problem, which is a risk factor for many oral health issues. A dry mouth is uncomfortable. Saliva in the mouth helps keep pathogens in check, and this lowers the risk of tooth decay, gum diseases, and other oral diseases.
Can Mouth Breathing Be Prevented
It is difficult to prevent mouth breathing if its cause is an obstruction. However, you can manage the condition by watching out for runny noses and other indications of congestion. If the congestion is deeper within the airway near the throat, then there is little that you can do. Consider getting help before this habit causes complications such as bad breath and restlessness during sleep.
Closing Remarks
Contact us today if you feel that you have a mouth-breathing problem. We understand that the needs and concerns of each patient are unique and, thus, offer highly customizable treatment plans. Let us help you resolve your mouth-breathing problem.
While nasal breathing offers numerous benefits, some individuals face structural issues that force them to breathe through their mouth. Jaw surgery can fix mouth breathing by opening up nasal passages. Proper jaw alignment reduces obstructions, making breathing through the nose easier.