General practice·General practice
Mouth breathing
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Mouth breathing is when you breathe through your mouth instead of your nose. It can happen as a habit or because your nose is blocked. Breathing through the nose is better for filtering and warming the air, so mouth breathing can cause problems like dry mouth and poor sleep.
Key facts
- Mouth breathing is very common in children with enlarged tonsils or adenoids.
- It can lead to dental issues, such as a change in the shape of the jaw or teeth.
- Chronic mouth breathing may affect sleep quality and cause daytime tiredness.
Yes, mouth breathing is common, especially in children and people with nasal congestion from allergies, colds, or sinus problems.
It affects people of all ages but is most common in children, people with allergies or asthma, and those with a deviated septum or other nasal blockages.