Are you aware when you wake up in the morning that you must have been “mouth breathing” throughout the night because your mouth feels dry or slightly sticky? Perhaps you find yourself breathing through your mouth – rather than your nose – throughout the day, which causes you some discomfort. Curious about why this is going on and wondering if it might affect your oral health? Let’s consider the potential cause and effect of this issue.

What Causes Mouth Breathing?

A variety of issues may result in mouth breathing, which is why it’s a good idea to schedule an oral health checkup with us. We cannot identify the specific reason without seeing you! For now, consider some reasons this may be occurring

• You’re Congested: If you’re dealing with allergies, a cold, or sinus infection, your upper airways may be congested. Since your nasal passages are blocked, you may breathe through your mouth.
• Snoring Or Sleep Apnea: If you snore or suffer from sleep apnea, you may breathe through your mouth while you sleep, often in an effort to take in more oxygen.

How Will This Affect My Oral Health?

When you breathe through your mouth, the incoming air dries our your oral tissues. In general, your saliva cannot compensate quickly enough to re-wet your tissues, which leads to dry mouth. As for your oral health, dry mouth can result in a heightened chance of cavity formation, bad breath, and foods might suddenly take on a new flavor. Fortunately, we can easily help you treat this concern.