Oral Health

The majority if us are aware of the importance of keeping our teeth clean with brushing and flossing and reducing sugars in our diet for good oral health.  Another major component to keep good oral health is to address mouth breathing patterns; many people are completely unaware that they mouth breath let alone the possible knock on effects on an individual’s general health.

Habitual mouth breathing can lead to abnormal facial development, crocked teeth, increase incidence of gum disease and tooth decay.

Mouth breathers will have a low resting posture and functional patterns of the tongue. The development of the tongue space (upper and lower jaw bones, teeth positions) will be reduced.  To ensure an adequate airway the tongue position will remain low and the individual will continue to mouth breathe.  Raising the resting posture of the tongue and balancing the perioral muscles and functional patterns will open the air way and aid nasal breathing with closed lip posture.

Gum disease and tooth decay incidence increases in mouth breathers due to the reduction in moisture and saliva in the mouth which acts as a buffer to bacteria and acids in the mouth which help to prevent dental disease. 

A MyoDynanmic breathing programme aids will help reduce mouth breathing and help support good oral health.  In some cases more comprehensive therapy is needed with other healthcare professionals.