Breathing in and out through the nose is the goal and having control of our breath is essential. Learning to train our breathing will aid in having optimal health. Unfortunately, the discussion of why nasal breathing is important it not one we hear often. 

Why do we want to correct mouth breathing? 
When breathing through the mouth for an extended period  of time, a problem with lower oxygen  and higher carbon dioxide (CO2) can arise.  Having increased levels of CO2 in the blood stream instead of oxygen can cause stress on several organ systems in the body.  Chronic mouth breathing will also  result in less productive sleep, which in children can affect growth and development. Poor oxygen levels and poor sleep quality in children have been linked to ADD and ADHD hyper active systems.  Low oxygen concentration in adults has been linked to heart issues, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, kidney fatigue and other conditions. Mouth breathing forces the tongue to lay flat in the mouth, causing the chin to drop back, the head to tilt forward and the shoulders to slump. Untreated mouth breathing leads  to improper development such as a narrow face, mouth and airway. Dark eye circles, thinner cheek bones and a recessed chin are also common traits. In the mouth we see a narrow palate, gummy smile, crowded teeth and an increased cavity rate.  

Studies have shown that around 73% of those who had tonsils and adenoids removed did not restore nasal breathing by surgery alone. 

Mouth breathers are all around us and it affects more people than you may realize. 

What are the benefits of nasal breathing?

Induce relaxation
Improve cognitive function
Smell
Increased visuospatial awareness
Mediates Olfactory-induced Behavioral response
Reduced Vocal Effort7. Nasal Resonance
Improves recruitment of the diaphragm breathing muscle9. Increases Oxygen Uptake in the Blood
Production of Nitric Oxide11. Dilation of blood vessels in the lungs 
Redistribution of blood throughout the lungs
Defense Against Inhaled Pathogens
Helping maintain elasticity of the lungs15. Helping regulate body temperature
Humidification
Water balance in the body
Improves Oxygenation During Sleep19. Important for Deeper Sleep Quality20. Taste Perception
Development of the face

When mouth breathing you are missing out on many beneficial processes the nose performs. Just like someone can over eat, you can also over breathe. Mouth breathing is over breathing- you are taking in to much air, which can be stressful on the system. When you over breathe, you take in more oxygen and your body holds onto the oxygen instead of using it. In addition, the chronic act of mouth breathing starts changing your airway physically. These effects may be permanent and may result in breathing disorders such as sleep apnea. 

The mouth being open for long periods of time from mouth breathing will cause dental problems as well. Some of the risks include TMJ discomfort, dry mouth, cavities, gum disease, tonsil stones, and narrow palates. The sooner nasal breathing is restored the better chances one has to reverse any damage caused. 

For some, nasal breathing requires training and much effort. For some, just the act of performing breathing exercises helps to clear the nose. For some a saline nasal spray helps tremendously. Thyme steams are also great for the respiratory system(details are in our herb blog). 