Each system of our body supports the other, and all of them do their job and make an effort so that we can live our lives in the most efficient way. Our respiratory system and circulatory system, for example, help each other to keep the body clean. Other systems have similar interdependencies.
However, when faced with factors that will affect their functionality, some problems may arise in the body. We will show mouth breathing as an example of these factors. In this case, the body has to keep up with it because it is faced with an unusual functioning, and therefore problems arise.
The importance of this has been emphasized to young people for years, but it is still worth mentioning. What exactly is the difference between mouth and nose breathing?
Whether you are an adult or a minor, the distinction between mouth and nose breathing is always critical. At first, “after all, aren’t they both connected to the same place?” you might think. But air entering through the nose goes through different stages before reaching your lungs.
For example, the hair-like structures inside our nose form a filter system, so that harmful substances in the air do not reach our lungs. In addition, it is thanks to our nose that the air remains moist and does not reach our lungs in a very hot or very cold way.
Good, beautiful; So what happens when we breathe through our mouths?
We can’t get the pluses we just mentioned when we breathe through the mouth. After all, we do not have a filter system in our mouth to provide this. In addition, since the air is drawn as it is, we are left with a dry throat, an air that is not free of bacteria and less oxygen.
How can we get less oxygen if more air enters our body when we breathe through the mouth?
James Nestor, author of Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, states that breathing through the nose yields 20 percent more oxygen than through the mouth. As the reason for this, we can show that the air that has passed through the nose, that is, through the stages we have just described, mixes more easily with the blood and thus ensures the relaxation of the circulatory system.
When we breathe through the mouth, unwanted substances that come with the air can cause difficulties in the lungs. Those who are used to breathing in this way can say that they have no problems, but let’s say that these problems will arise in the long run and it will be a hassle to return.
Another long-term problem is ‘changes in the face’.
We have come to one of the issues that parents should be especially careful about. Because the subject of changing the face shape is more critical in children. This is because their faces are still in development.
At the beginning of the changes in the face in question is the chin becoming lower over time. In a way, this causes weight gain and affects posture over time. According to another explanation, the position of the tongue goes all the way down in people who breathe through the mouth. The tongue, which is normally on top even at rest, is located on the floor of the mouth in these people.
- Before and after mouth breathing
For this reason, the lower part of the mouth is loaded much more, and since the upper lip and nose are not used, they begin to become somewhat dysfunctional. As a result, there is an inconsistent improvement in the face, as some places work less and some places work more, and therefore a different appearance appears from the normal, and the way the teeth are extended is badly affected by this.
Since children are still in the developmental period, the effects of this are seen more easily in them. But that doesn’t mean adults should be comfortable. Because certain changes will definitely be seen through mouth inhalation. Sleep problems (such as sleep apnea) and the onset of snoring are some of them.
What other damages are there?
Ear infections, tooth decay, bad breath, sinusitis and upper airway infections are just a few of the problems you may encounter. In addition, there are things that will affect your daily routine. As an example of these, we can show feeling exhausted and snoring that started later, as we have just said.
If this is not taken care of at a young age, different operations may be required for its return. We can take things to the extreme. Because when this situation is not prevented in children who make it a habit to breathe through the mouth, it can go as far as long face syndrome. This means that there will be extra difficulty in daily activities.
You can share your thoughts on the subject in the comment section.
Sources: Cambrian Dental, Glen Park Dental, Reflective Smiles, My Faceology, Suwanee Dental Care, Britannica, Evolution Tree, Healthline
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