Can Mouth Breathing Wreck Your Smile? Yes — and Here's How to Stop It

Breathing is something we do unconsciously—around 20,000 times a day. But how we breathe matters more than we realize. While breathing through the mouth may seem harmless or even necessary when we’re congested or sleeping, chronic mouth breathing can have a surprisingly damaging impact on oral health, facial development, and overall wellbeing.

In this post, we’ll explore how mouth breathing can affect your smile, the signs to watch for, and, most importantly, how to break the habit. If you or your child regularly breathe through the mouth, this is essential reading.

What Is Mouth Breathing?

Mouth breathing occurs when a person consistently breathes through their mouth instead of their nose, especially during sleep. While occasional mouth breathing (like during a cold or allergy attack) is normal, chronic mouth breathing is not and can lead to long-term issues.

How Mouth Breathing Wrecks Your Smile

• Dry Mouth and Increased Cavities- Nasal breathing naturally humidifies and filters the air we breathe. When you breathe through your mouth, this process is bypassed, leading to a dry mouth. Saliva plays a vital role in washing away bacteria and neutralizing acids that cause tooth decay. Without it, your teeth are more vulnerable to plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease.
• Gum Disease Risk Rises- The reduced saliva flow that comes with mouth breathing can also lead to inflamed gums. In children, this might appear as swollen or red gums, while in adults, chronic dryness can make the gums more prone to infection. Over time, this inflammation can contribute to periodontal disease.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis)- Bad breath is one of the more embarrassing consequences of mouth breathing. When the mouth dries out, odor-causing bacteria flourish. Chronic mouth breathing can lead to persistent halitosis that doesn't improve with mints or brushing.
• Facial Development Issues in Children- In growing children, chronic mouth breathing can actually change the shape of the face. It may lead to a long, narrow face, droopy eyes, and a small jaw. This is because nasal breathing helps guide the proper development of facial muscles and bones. When a child breathes through their mouth, the tongue rests in a lower position, which can hinder proper jaw and dental development.
• Orthodontic Problems- Children and teens who mouth breathe are at higher risk for malocclusions—misalignments of the teeth and jaws—such as overbites, underbites, or crowding. The lowered tongue posture and open-mouth stance can negatively affect how the teeth come in and how the jaws grow.
• Speech Issues- Mouth breathing is also associated with speech impediments, including lisps or difficulties pronouncing certain sounds. That’s because the tongue and oral muscles don’t develop properly when the mouth is constantly open.

Signs You Might Be a Mouth Breather

Many people don’t even realize they’re mouth breathing until problems arise. Some telltale signs include:

• Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Snoring or noisy breathing at night
• Bad breath despite good hygiene
• Chapped lips
• Sleepiness or fatigue during the day
• Gingivitis or frequent cavities
• Orthodontic issues or long facial appearance (in children)

What Causes Mouth Breathing?

Several factors can lead to chronic mouth breathing:

• Nasal congestion: Allergies, colds, or a deviated septum can block the nose and force mouth breathing.
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids: Common in children, this can block airflow through the nose.
• Poor oral habits: Thumb sucking or pacifier use can contribute to open-mouth posture.
• Sleep apnea or other sleep-disordered breathing.

How to Stop Mouth Breathing

The good news? Mouth breathing is treatable—especially when caught early.

• Identify the Root Cause: A comprehensive evaluation is the first step. At Clinton Dental, we collaborate with ENT specialists, pediatricians, and orthodontists to understand what’s causing the mouth breathing—whether it’s an airway issue, allergies, or dental development.
• Practice Nasal Breathing: Training yourself or your child to breathe through the nose takes time and consistency. Use reminders during the day to keep lips closed and the tongue resting on the roof of the mouth. In children, gentle reminders and posture correction exercises can be effective.
• Address Allergies or Nasal Blockage: If allergies or nasal congestion are the cause, working with your doctor to manage symptoms is key. Nasal sprays, allergy medications, or even minor surgery (like correcting a deviated septum) may be recommended to restore proper airflow.
• Orthodontic Intervention: In cases where the jaw or dental alignment is contributing to mouth breathing, orthodontic treatment may help. Palatal expanders, for instance, can widen the upper jaw to improve nasal airflow in children.
• Myofunctional Therapy: This is a form of physical therapy for the mouth and face. It involves exercises that retrain the tongue, lips, and facial muscles to support nasal breathing and correct oral posture. Myofunctional therapy is highly effective in children and adults alike.
• Use of a Nighttime Mouth Tape (With Caution): Mouth taping has become popular to encourage nasal breathing at night, but it should never be tried without a proper medical evaluation. If there’s an underlying airway blockage, taping the mouth can be dangerous.

When to See a Dentist

If you notice signs of mouth breathing in yourself or your child, don’t wait. Chronic mouth breathing is more than a minor habit—it’s a red flag for underlying health and dental issues that could worsen over time.

At Clinton Dental, we take a proactive and holistic approach to oral health. We don’t just treat symptoms; we uncover the cause. Our team will help you create a personalized plan to support better breathing, healthier teeth, and confident smiles—for life.

Final Thoughts

Mouth breathing may seem harmless, but it has serious consequences for your dental and overall health. From increasing your risk of cavities to altering facial development in kids, the long-term effects shouldn’t be ignored.

The good news is that with the right guidance and care, you can overcome this habit and protect your smile.

Ready to Breathe Better and Smile Brighter?

Call Clinton Dental today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you or your child get on the path to healthier breathing and a happier, healthier smile.