Mouth Breathing vs. Nasal Breathing: Why It Matters for Your Health

At Jeevam Therapy, we often focus on movement, posture, and flexibility—but did you know that how you breathe plays a big role in your overall health? Whether you breathe through your nose or your mouth can affect everything from energy levels to sleep quality. Here’s a breakdown of why nasal breathing is generally preferred over mouth breathing.

Why Nasal Breathing Is Best

1. Natural Filtration and Humidification Nasal passages filter out dust, allergens, and pathogens, and humidify the air, protecting your lungs and airways.
2. Better Oxygen Absorption Nasal breathing produces nitric oxide, which helps improve oxygen circulation and supports overall blood flow, giving you more energy.
3. Facial and Dental Health Nasal breathing encourages correct tongue posture, supporting healthy jaw development and reducing the risk of misaligned teeth or facial issues.
4. Better Sleep Breathing through your nose reduces snoring and the risk of sleep apnea, leading to more restful, uninterrupted sleep.
5. Balanced Carbon Dioxide Nasal breathing helps maintain the right balance of CO₂ in your body, ensuring that oxygen is efficiently delivered to your tissues.

The Downsides of Mouth Breathing

1. Less Efficient Oxygenation Mouth breathing bypasses nasal filtration and reduces oxygen absorption, making it less effective.
2. Dry Mouth and Infections Breathing through your mouth dries out your mouth, increasing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and throat infections.
3. Poor Facial Development Chronic mouth breathing can cause facial and dental issues, particularly in children, leading to misaligned teeth and an elongated face.
4. Sleep Problems Mouth breathing is linked to snoring and sleep apnea, disrupting sleep quality and increasing daytime fatigue.
5. Increased Stress Mouth breathing often leads to shallow, rapid breaths, activating the body’s stress response and increasing anxiety levels.

Tips for Switching to Nasal Breathing

1. Be Mindful: Pay attention to when you’re breathing through your mouth and consciously switch to nasal breathing.
2. Try Breathing Exercises: Incorporate deep, diaphragmatic breathing into your routine.
3. Address Congestion: If you have allergies or nasal congestion, consult with your doctor for solutions.
4. Improve Posture: Practice standing tall with your shoulders back to encourage better airflow.

How Jeevam Therapy Can Help

If you struggle with poor breathing habits, physical therapy can help you retrain your body. Through breathing exercises, postural corrections, and targeted jaw and tongue posture work, we can support you in transitioning to more effective nasal breathing. Nasal breathing is the most efficient and natural way to breathe, supporting better oxygen flow, facial health, and sleep quality. By becoming mindful of your breathing habits, you can improve your health in the long term.

If you need help optimizing your breathing or improving posture, contact our Metuchen and Paramus, NJ offices today! Schedule a screening at our clinics for a nominal fee and learn about the next steps for your treatment. We’re here to help you breathe better and feel better. 

Sources

• https://drjockers.com/nasal-breathing/ 
• https://www.henryford.com/blog/2022/10/nose-vs-mouth-breathing#:~:text=Here’s%20a%20closer%20look%20at,goes%20straight%20to%20your%20lungs.
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/nose-breathing-vs-mouth-breathing
• https://health.clevelandclinic.org/breathe-mouth-nose