Every mammal on the planet (of which we are one) use their nose for breathing. We are no different, so why do so many of us mouth breathe? We don’t shove our food up our noses do we?
The nose is an amazing organ that does so much more than just keep our glasses in place. It really is our first line of defence.
It is a filtration system and can trap and filter out pathogens, allergens, airborne particles and bacteria before they reach the lungs, minimising the risk of respiratory infections and allergic reactions.
As the air passes through the nasal passages, it is warmed or cooled to match the body's temperature, making it ready for use by the lungs. This allows proper oxygen and carbon dioxide transfer to occur, enhancing the body’s oxygen uptake.
And it is humidified, reducing the risk of dry throats and coughs.
Nasal breathing, as opposed to mouth breathing, offers several health benefits due to its natural and efficient function.
Here are 15 benefits of nasal breathing:
1. Improved filtration: The nasal passages act as a natural filtration system, trapping and filtering out airborne particles, allergens, and bacteria before they reach the lungs.
2. Enhanced oxygen uptake: Nasal breathing helps optimize the amount of oxygen taken in, as the smaller airways in the nasal passages create resistance, allowing for more efficient oxygen absorption.
3. Nitric oxide production: Nitric oxide, produced in the nasal passages, has numerous health benefits, including dilating blood vessels, improving oxygen delivery, regulating blood pressure, and supporting immune function.
4. Humidification: The nasal passages moisten and humidify the air, preventing dryness of the respiratory tract, which can help alleviate issues like dry throat and cough.
5. Temperature regulation: As air passes through the nasal passages, it is warmed or cooled to match the body's temperature, reducing the strain on the respiratory system.
6. Reduced mouth dryness: Nasal breathing helps prevent excessive evaporation of saliva, reducing the risk of dry mouth, dental issues, and bad breath.
7. Improved lung function: Nasal breathing facilitates a slower, more controlled breathing pattern, which can enhance lung capacity and improve respiratory muscle strength.
8. Reduced respiratory issues: Nasal breathing helps minimize the risk of respiratory infections, asthma exacerbations, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions by filtering and conditioning the air.
9. Increased energy production: Efficient nasal breathing optimizes oxygen delivery to cells, aiding in energy production and overall physical performance.
10. Enhanced sleep quality: Breathing through the nose during sleep promotes better sleep quality, reduces snoring, and improves oxygen saturation, leading to increased restfulness.
11. Reduced stress and anxiety: Nasal breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, triggering a relaxation response and helping to alleviate stress and anxiety.
12. Balanced blood chemistry: Nasal breathing supports proper carbon dioxide and oxygen exchange, promoting a balanced pH level in the blood and enhancing overall physiological function.
13. Improved concentration and cognitive function: Nasal breathing increases oxygen supply to the brain, enhancing focus, mental clarity, and cognitive performance.
14. Sinus health: Nasal breathing helps maintain healthy sinuses by promoting proper drainage, reducing the risk of sinus infections, and alleviating congestion.
15. Dental health benefits: Breathing through the nose aids in proper tongue posture, which can contribute to better dental alignment, reduced risk of malocclusion, and improved oral health.
Remember that if you have any specific medical concerns or conditions, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice and treatment.
Mouth breathing bypasses ALL the wonderful things that the nose does for us!
Mouth breathers will be inhaling unfiltered air, and because of this will quite often suffer from bad breath, asthma, higher allergy rates, tooth decay, gum disease, teeth or jaw abnormalities and sleep issues such as snoring and sleep apnoea.
Chronic mouth breathing in children can lead to facial deformities such as a long face, protruding or recessed chin or a high palate.
And because the air is untreated, when you mouth breathe you need a bigger volume than when you breathe through the nose.
The body starts to adapt to this different volume of air and different concentration of oxygen which causes a lot of changes in the body’s systems. One of these being that it can change the pH level in the blood and make it more acidic, increasing your predisposition to cancer as cancer cells grow more easily in an acidic environment.
An easy way to encourage nasal breathing in mouth breathers is to get them to put their tongue to the roof of the mouth and rest it behind the upper set of teeth. This is the tongues natural resting position and will act like a switch to "turn on" nasal breathing and encourage the mouth to close. Try it.....
Mouth breathing, as opposed to nasal breathing, can have various health risks and implications. Here are some of the potential consequences:
1. Dry mouth: Breathing through the mouth tends to dry out the oral tissues, leading to a dry and uncomfortable sensation in the mouth. This can contribute to bad breath and an increased risk of dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
2. Reduced oxygen intake: Nasal breathing is the natural and optimal way to take in air. The nose acts as a filtration system, warming, humidifying, and filtering the air before it reaches the lungs. Mouth breathing bypasses these functions, resulting in less efficient oxygen intake. Reduced oxygen levels can affect overall health and may impact cognitive function, sleep quality, and energy levels.
3. Increased risk of respiratory infections: The nose acts as a barrier against airborne pathogens, filtering out dust, allergens, and microorganisms. Breathing through the mouth allows these particles to enter the respiratory system more easily, increasing the risk of respiratory infections, such as colds, flu, and sinusitis.
4. Orthodontic issues: Chronic mouth breathing, particularly during childhood, can lead to orthodontic problems and facial deformities. The constant flow of air through the mouth can affect the growth and development of the jaws and teeth, leading to malocclusions (misaligned bite) and overcrowding of teeth.
5. Sleep disturbances: Mouth breathing is commonly associated with sleep-disordered breathing, including conditions like snoring and sleep apnea. These conditions can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and increased risk of cardiovascular problems.
6. Impaired facial development: In children, habitual mouth breathing can impact facial growth and development. It may lead to a long, narrow face, high arched palate, and a retruded or recessed chin. These changes can influence the appearance, function, and overall health of the individual.
7. Allergic reactions: Nasal breathing helps filter and reduce the allergens that enter the respiratory system. Mouth breathing bypasses this filtration mechanism, increasing the likelihood of allergic reactions in individuals with allergies or sensitivities.
If you or someone you know frequently breathes through the mouth and experiences any of these issues, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional, such as a dentist, orthodontist, or ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist, who can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.