Does mouth breathing affect oral hygiene?

I’ve noticed my mouth is always dry, especially when I wake up. I’m pretty sure I’m breathing through my mouth while I sleep. I brush twice a day, floss, and even use mouthwash sometimes, but I still feel like my breath isn’t as fresh as it should be and I seem to get more cavities than I used to. I’m wondering if there’s a connection between breathing through my mouth and having trouble keeping my teeth and gums healthy. Like, does the dry mouth from mouth breathing somehow change the environment in my mouth or something? And if it does, what can I actually do about it besides just brushing more? Is there something else I should be doing to combat the effects of mouth breathing on my oral hygiene?

Answer

Yes, mouth breathing significantly affects oral hygiene, generally in a negative way. The primary reason is the alteration of the oral environment, specifically the reduction of saliva. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Saliva’s Role in Oral Hygiene:

Saliva is crucial for maintaining a healthy oral environment. It performs several essential functions:

• Lubrication: Saliva keeps the oral tissues moist and comfortable, reducing friction and irritation.
• Buffering Acidity: Saliva contains bicarbonate and phosphate ions that neutralize acids produced by bacteria after eating. This buffering action helps prevent the demineralization of tooth enamel, which leads to cavities.
• Remineralization: Saliva contains calcium and phosphate ions that help repair minor enamel damage caused by acid attacks. This process, called remineralization, strengthens teeth.
• Antimicrobial Action: Saliva contains enzymes such as lysozyme and lactoperoxidase, as well as immunoglobulins (antibodies) like IgA, which inhibit the growth and activity of bacteria in the mouth. Saliva also helps clear away food debris, preventing bacterial accumulation.
• Digestion: Saliva contains amylase, an enzyme that begins the breakdown of carbohydrates in the mouth, aiding in digestion.

Impact of Mouth Breathing on Saliva:

Mouth breathing leads to:

• Reduced Saliva Production: While mouth breathing itself doesn’t directly decrease saliva production in the salivary glands, it significantly increases the evaporation of saliva. This results in a drier mouth overall.
• Altered Saliva Composition: Studies suggest that chronic mouth breathing may lead to changes in the composition of saliva, affecting its buffering capacity and antimicrobial properties.

Consequences of Reduced Saliva Due to Mouth Breathing:

The decrease in saliva associated with mouth breathing has a cascade of negative effects on oral hygiene:

• Increased Risk of Cavities (Dental Caries): The lack of saliva’s buffering and remineralizing actions makes the teeth more susceptible to acid attacks from bacteria. The dry environment also favors the growth of acid-producing bacteria.
• Increased Risk of Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis): The absence of saliva’s antimicrobial properties and clearing action allows bacteria to proliferate along the gum line. This leads to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), which can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that damages the supporting structures of the teeth.
• Halitosis (Bad Breath): The dry environment and bacterial overgrowth in the mouth contribute to bad breath. Anaerobic bacteria, which thrive in dry conditions, produce volatile sulfur compounds that cause foul odors.
• Increased Risk of Oral Infections: Saliva’s antimicrobial properties help protect against fungal and viral infections. A dry mouth is more susceptible to infections such as oral thrush (candidiasis).
• Enamel Erosion: The absence of saliva’s protective coating makes the enamel more vulnerable to erosion from acidic foods and drinks.
• Difficulty Swallowing and Speaking: Adequate saliva is necessary for proper lubrication of the mouth, which is essential for swallowing and speaking comfortably. Chronic mouth breathing can lead to difficulty with these functions.
• Altered Taste Perception: Saliva helps dissolve food particles, allowing them to stimulate taste buds. A dry mouth can diminish the sense of taste.
• Cracked Lips and Oral Tissue Irritation: The constant dryness can lead to cracked lips, dry and irritated gums, and discomfort.

Specific Areas Affected:

The effects of mouth breathing are often most pronounced in the anterior (front) region of the mouth, particularly the upper front teeth and gums. This is because these areas are most exposed to the drying effects of air passing through the mouth.

Addressing Mouth Breathing and Oral Hygiene:

If mouth breathing is a chronic issue, addressing the underlying cause is important for improving oral hygiene. This may involve:

• Identifying and Treating Nasal Obstruction: Common causes of nasal obstruction include allergies, sinus infections, deviated septum, and enlarged adenoids or tonsils. Medical evaluation and treatment may be necessary.
• Myofunctional Therapy: This type of therapy involves exercises to strengthen the muscles of the mouth and face, which can help promote nasal breathing.
• Humidification: Using a humidifier, especially during sleep, can help keep the oral tissues moist.

In addition to addressing the cause of mouth breathing, it’s crucial to maintain meticulous oral hygiene:

• Regular Brushing and Flossing: Brush at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and bacteria.
• Use of Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and protect against cavities.
• Use of a Saliva Substitute or Artificial Saliva: These products can help keep the mouth moist and provide some of the benefits of natural saliva.
• Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings: Professional dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, and your dentist can monitor your oral health and provide personalized advice.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep the mouth moist and promotes saliva production.
• Avoid Sugary Foods and Drinks: Sugary substances promote bacterial growth and acid production.

In summary, mouth breathing has a significant and detrimental impact on oral hygiene primarily due to the reduction in saliva and its beneficial properties. Addressing the underlying cause of mouth breathing and maintaining excellent oral hygiene practices are essential for mitigating these negative effects.