Mouth breathing is a dysfunctional breathing pattern that occurs when a person habitually breathes through their mouth instead of their nose. While it may seem harmless, chronic mouth breathing is a clinical red flag. It is closely associated with airway obstruction, orofacial muscle dysfunction, disrupted sleep, improper facial growth, and poor overall health outcomes.

At Myofunctional Spot, we specialize in identifying and correcting the underlying patterns that lead to mouth breathing — at all ages — from infancy through adulthood.

Breathing is a reflexive function, but it must occur through the correct anatomical passage: the nose.

The mouth is designed for eating, chewing, speaking, and communicating. The nose is designed for filtering, humidifying, and regulating the air we breathe. When a person is unable to breathe adequately through their nose, they may begin mouth breathing out of necessity. Over time, this can become a deeply ingrained habitual pattern that interferes with natural growth and function.

Mouth breathing and open-mouth posture are often used interchangeably and are both considered signs of orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD).

Breathing through the nose:

• Filters allergens, bacteria, and pollutants
   
• Warms and humidifies air before it reaches the lungs
   
• Regulates nitric oxide production (important for vascular and immune health)
   
• Promotes diaphragmatic breathing and proper oxygen exchange
   
• Encourages optimal tongue posture on the roof of the mouth
   
• Supports proper facial growth and airway development
   

Mouth breathing, on the other hand:

• Bypasses the body’s natural filtration system
   
• Leads to over-breathing (hyperventilation)
   
• Disrupts the oxygen-carbon dioxide balance
   
• Can lead to poor sleep quality, fatigue, and behavioral issues
   
• Causes the tongue to rest low and forward, promoting abnormal growth of the jaws and face
   

Mouth breathing is often a symptom of an underlying problem, not just a bad habit. It can be triggered by structural, muscular, or environmental factors.

• Chronic nasal congestion
   
• Allergies or food sensitivities
   
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
   
• Deviated nasal septum
   
• Nasal polyps
   
• Tongue-tie or oral restriction

• High Narrow Palate
   
• Respiratory infections or asthma
   
• Habitual patterns from infancy or childhood
   

If nasal airflow is consistently blocked or inadequate, the body will adapt by using the mouth as an alternative route — leading to a cascade of compensatory dysfunctions.

• Mouth breathing can impair craniofacial development, resulting in:
   
  • Long, narrow face shape
     
  • Recessed chin or midface
     
  • Narrow palate and crowded teeth
     
• It contributes to:
   
  • Orthodontic complications
     
  • Speech delays and articulation errors
     
  • Feeding challenges and oral aversions
     
  • Sleep disturbances, snoring, and daytime fatigue
     
  • ADHD-like symptoms and behavioral concerns
     

Children who mouth breathe often exhibit poor lip closure, noisy chewing, messy eating, and tongue thrust swallowing patterns. These are not simply bad habits — they are clinical symptoms that need attention.

Many adults have mouth-breathing-related dysfunctions that trace back to early childhood patterns. 

These may include:

• Chronic fatigue or brain fog
   
• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
   
• TMJ dysfunction and jaw pain
   
• Gulping sounds while swallowing
   
• Aerophagia (air swallowing) leading to reflux and bloating
   
• Headaches or migraines
   
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing efficiently
   
• Postural issues and neck tension
   
• Persistent speech issues or unclear articulation
   

Adults may not realize they are mouth breathers — until they connect the dots between their symptoms and their airway or oral posture.

Oral & Facial Symptoms:

• Open mouth posture at rest
   
• Visible tongue while talking or eating
   
• Dry lips or chronic mouth dryness
   
• Dark circles under the eyes (allergic shiners)
   
• Elongated face shape or recessed jaw
   
• Bad breath (halitosis)
   

Functional Symptoms:

• Messy, noisy, or disorganized chewing
   
• Speech or articulation errors
   
• Poor sleep quality or snoring
   
• Gagging, choking, or difficulty managing food textures
   
• Swallowing difficulties (multiple swallows, visible effort)
   
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
   

Systemic Symptoms:

• Reflux or digestive issues
   
• ADHD-like symptoms in children
   
• Brain fog or lack of focus in adults
   
• Frequent illnesses or upper respiratory infections
   

Mouth breathing is often accompanied by poor tongue posture and dysfunctional swallow patterns, including:

• Low, forward tongue position at rest
   
• Tongue thrust during swallowing
   
• Lip tightening and chin strain when swallowing
   
• Chewing with lips open
   
• Difficulty manipulating certain textures of food
   

These are signs of orofacial myofunctional disorders, and they require expert intervention to retrain.

Chewing is the first step of digestion. It stimulates saliva production and prepares food for a smooth, efficient swallow. Mouth breathing often disrupts this process, leading to:

• Poor bolus formation
   
• Incomplete breakdown of food
   
• Increased air swallowing (aerophagia)
   
• Impaired digestion and nutrient absorption
   
• Chronic reflux or bloating
   

Proper chewing, nasal breathing, and tongue posture must all work together — otherwise, the entire system suffers.

Myofunctional therapy is the gold standard for treating the root causes of habitual mouth breathing. This exercise-based therapy focuses on retraining the muscles of the tongue, lips, cheeks, and jaw to work in harmony.

At Myofunctional Spot, our myofunctional therapy programs include:

• ✅ Establishing and reinforcing nasal breathing
   
• ✅ Teaching correct tongue resting posture
   
• ✅ Strengthening lip seal and oral muscle tone
   
• ✅ Training coordinated chewing and swallowing
   
• ✅ Eliminating compensatory habits
   
• ✅ Supporting long-term airway health and oral function
   

Therapy is tailored to the age and needs of each patient — whether infant, child, teen, or adult — and we often work collaboratively with ENTs, orthodontists, pediatricians, lactation consultants, and other specialists.

For someone who has been mouth breathing for months — or years — switching to nasal breathing is not as simple as closing your lips. The body has adapted. Muscles have developed incorrect patterns. The nervous system no longer recognizes nasal breathing as the default.

That’s why professional guidance is essential.

A certified myofunctional therapist will provide the tools, accountability, and clinical expertise necessary to:

• Break harmful breathing patterns
   
• Restore muscle balance and strength
   
• Support structural changes during growth
   
• Reduce the risk of future complications
   

Habit change is the foundation of successful therapy. We don’t just treat symptoms — we reprogram function.

Whether you’re a parent concerned about your child’s facial development or sleep, or an adult struggling with chronic fatigue, jaw pain, or reflux — mouth breathing may be the missing piece. At Myofunctional Spot, we’re here to uncover the root cause and help you restore healthy, functional breathing for life.

📞 Call: 954-261-9864

📧 Email: info@myofunctionalspot.com

💻 Visit: www.myofunctionalspot.com

The treatment plans are customized for each patient, and can often be implemented without interruption to your dental or orthodontic treatment goals. 

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