Health.com recently reported on the detrimental effects of mouth breathing which often occurs in those who suffer from allergies. In fact, the article states that "chronic mouth breathers" are "most often children with allergies."
The problem is that those who breathe predominantly through their mouths have trouble getting sufficient oxygen into their blood. This outcome affects their size, weight, and sleep quality which could affect other aspects of life, like school performance.
Mouth breathing occurs because of nasal obstructions, which allergies or chronic infections can cause. Untreated mouth breathing can lead to unattractive facial and dental development, including long face syndrome, narrow mouths, and receding or protruding jaws.
Sleep apnea is also associated with mouth breathing. Additionally, the effects of mouth breathing can lead to the misdiagnosis of other conditions, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), due to the similar manifestations of the disorders.
Dr. Yosh Jefferson, a general dentist in Mouth Holly, N.J. and author of the study, states, "Mouth breathing is a medical problem that touches almost every family. It's an unrecognized epidemic that needs immediate attention" and says that those who suffer from chronic mouth breathing are "suffocating and literally dying a slow death that robs them of their appearance, health, longevity, and quality of life. Mouth breathing is very treatable, but to do this it must be diagnosed and treated as early as possible."
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