Are You a Mouth Breather?

mouth-breather n. a stupid person; a moron, dolt, imbecile. 

While it’s a little cruel to link someone’s breathing style with their IQ, there are many reasons why it’s preferable to breathe only through the nose.

??? Fewer coughs and colds

??? Less gum disease and dental cavities

??? Improved concentration

??? Enhanced oxygen delivery around the body

??? Increased sports performance

Gum disease - gingivitis and periodontitis - affects over 40% of Australians. Symptoms of gum disease include bad breath, red, swollen and bleeding gums, receding gums and the possibility of losing teeth. Gum disease is also linked to an increased risk of stroke, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and even dementia.

Alongside regular flossing, brushing and visits to the dentist, keeping your mouth closed plays a big role in preventing gum disease and reducing dental cavities. In one study, mouth breathers showed 4 times higher risk of developing S. mutans, the bacteria that causes dental cavites. Mouth breathers also have a far greater rate of gum disease.

It’s simple. Close your mouth to save your gums and teeth. 

Pedersen, Anne Marie Lynge, and Daniel Belstr?m. "The role of natural salivary defences in maintaining a healthy oral microbiota." Journal of dentistry 80 (2019): S3-S12.