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Mouth Breathing: A Silent Threat

Causes and Effects of Mouth Breathing

Mouth breathing, also known as nocturnal oral respiration, is a condition characterized by breathing through the mouth rather than through the nose during sleep. It can negatively impact overall health, contributing to sleep apnea, snoring, and other health complications.

Causes

Mouth breathing can result from various causes, including nasal congestion due to allergies or a deviated septum, enlarged adenoids or tonsils, and certain facial structures. When the nasal passages are obstructed, individuals are unable to breathe adequately through the nose, forcing them to resort to mouth breathing.

Effects

Untreated mouth breathing can lead to numerous adverse effects, including:

• Sleep apnea: Mouth breathing can obstruct the upper airway, causing pauses in breathing during sleep, leading to sleep apnea.
• Snoring: Mouth breathing produces a characteristic snoring sound as air passes through the relaxed tissues in the throat.
• Tooth decay and gum disease: Mouth breathing can cause dry mouth, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
• Poor sleep quality: Mouth breathing can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and daytime sleepiness.