The short answer – yes. Most people don’t ever think about their breathing. It is an intrinsic, biologic process that just happens for most of us. If you’re one of the unlucky few who has had to struggle with breathing issues due to sinus conditions, asthma, airway obstruction, or other concerns, you know that a deep breath is nothing to take for granted. As you’ve been reading this introductory paragraph, have you noticed your breathing? Are you taking in and expelling air through the nose, the mouth, or a combination of both? The majority of people breathe in and out through the nose, but there are some people whose bodies have compensated for airway issues through mouth breathing. While this may seem harmless, mouth breathing can be a warning sign of underlying concerns, and research indicates it may even put you at great risk for poor oral health. Keep reading to learn more about the potential risks of mouth breathing and the importance of preventive dentistry to counteract the adverse oral health consequences experienced by some mouth breathers.
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