Most people dont think about how theybreathe.
Some people breathe through their mouths, while others do so through their noses.
This article discusses the effects ofmouth breathingvs.
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nose breathing and offers tips for changing how you inhale and exhale.
Medical conditions that affect the sinuses andupper respiratory tractcan alter that structure.
Additionally, the way you breathe can influence jaw and skull development.
Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health
Your breathing patterns may change due tocongestionor obstruction of the sinuses and nasal passages.
Mouth breathing, especially throughout childhood and adolescence, can also affect your face and jaw anatomy.
In addition, the head may appear pushed forward relative to the shoulders.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Mouth breathing can also affecttongueposition.
When you mouth-breathe, your tongue is lower than usual to allow for extra air.
This is an unfair characterization; how you breathe has nothing to do with intelligence.
When you breathe through your nose, your lips should close comfortably with your teeth separated slightly.
If you suspect your child is breathing this way, talk to their healthcare provider.
The majority of people breathe through their noses.
Conditions leading to nasal obstruction include:
How Do You Stop Mouth Breathing?
If youre concerned aboutmouth breathing, there are techniques tohelp you change your respiratory patterns.
Research has shown this yoga exercise to improve lung and heart health and cognitive function.
As with other breathing exercises, this approach helps improve lung function and reduce stress, among other benefits.
Summary
Most people breathe through their noses, but some do so through their mouths.
If you breathe with your mouth, breathing exercises can help you retrain your respiratory patterns.
In addition, the head may appear pushed forward relative to the shoulders.
Mouth breathing can cause misalignment of the jaw, causing crooked teeth.
Breathing primarily or exclusively through the mouth is a problem at any age.
Nose breathing is considered normal and is not associated with health effects.
2018;4(1):17039. doi:10.1038/s41405-018-0007-3
American Dental Association.Xerostomia (dry mouth).
Ghiya S.Alternate nostril breathing: a systematic review of clinical trials.Int J Res Med Sci.
2019;6(7):84. doi:10.3390/children6070084
