Mouth breathing isn’t just a quirky habit—it can seriously impact your health and appearance. If you’ve ever wondered why some faces look elongated or why certain people develop a double chin despite being fit, the answer could lie in their breathing habits. Let’s dive into the science of how mouth breathing changes your face and what you can do to fix it.
What Is a Mouth Breather Face (Adenoid Face)?
A “mouth breather face,” also known as an Adenoid face, describes a set of facial features that develop due to prolonged mouth breathing. It’s not just about looks—it’s a sign of underlying health issues.
Mouth breathing can stem from various causes, including:
Chronic nasal blockages
Sinus/Cranial structures misaligned
Allergies
Enlarged adenoids or tonsils
Deviated nasal septum
Nasal polyps or inflammation
These conditions block the nasal passages, making nose breathing difficult and forcing individuals to breathe through their mouths.
Characteristics of a Mouth Breather Face
The facial traits commonly associated with mouth breathing include:
Long, narrow face
Double chin
Vacant expression
Gingival smile
Narrow nostrils
Poor posture
Dark circles under the eyes
These changes occur gradually, often going unnoticed until they’re severe.
How Does Mouth Breathing Affect Face Shape?
The effects of mouth breathing on your face are both functional and aesthetic. When the mouth is constantly open, the jaw muscles weaken, and the upper jaw (maxilla) narrows. Over time, this leads to a downward pull on the entire face.
The Role of Tongue Posture
Proper tongue posture—resting the tongue on the roof of your mouth—is crucial for facial development. Mouth breathing disrupts this, leading to underdeveloped cheekbones and a recessed jawline.
Facial Changes Over Time
Over the years, untreated mouth breathing can result in:
Flat cheekbones
Lower eye sockets
Crowded teeth
Open bites or underbites
These changes are more pronounced in children due to their growing bones.
Childhood vs. Adulthood Effects
Children are more susceptible to facial changes from mouth breathing because their bones are still developing. Adults, while less affected structurally, may still experience muscle weakening and aesthetic issues.
Common Causes of Enlarged Adenoids
Enlarged adenoids are one of the leading causes of mouth breathing in children. This tissue, located at the back of the nasal cavity, can swell due to:
Infections
Allergies
Acid reflux
Swollen adenoids block the airway, forcing children to breathe through their mouths.
Enlarged Adenoids and Nasal Obstruction
When adenoids become enlarged, they obstruct nasal airflow. This not only affects breathing but also disrupts sleep and facial development.
How Adenoids Influence Face Shape
Persistent mouth breathing caused by enlarged adenoids can lead to a classic adenoid face, characterised by a long, narrow structure and other issues. Early treatment is key.
NasalRX: A Revolutionary Solution
One effective solution for addressing nasal blockages and reversing the effects of mouth breathing is NasalRX. This innovative treatment focuses on restoring nasal breathing through internal cranial adjustments. By targeting the root causes of nasal obstructions, NasalRX improves airflow and promotes proper breathing patterns. Minimum of 6 treatments are usually prescribed. Here’s how it works:
Restores Nasal Breathing: NasalRX alleviates nasal blockages, encouraging nose breathing over mouth breathing. This is essential for maintaining proper tongue posture and jaw alignment.
Prevents Weak Jaw Development: Chronic mouth breathing leads to underdeveloped jaws and misaligned teeth. NasalRX helps prevent these complications by facilitating healthy craniofacial growth and repositioning.
Improves Sleep and Posture: By addressing sinus issues, NasalRX reduces snoring and sleep apnea, promoting better rest and overall posture.
This procedure looks at Cranial bones and the Neck for alignment issues that might be affecting the overall structure.
NasalRX is a powerful intervention for breaking the cycle of mouth breathing and its associated problems, ensuring optimal Craniofacial health.
Can Mouth Breathing Be Reversed?
The good news? Yes, you can reverse the effects of mouth breathing. While some changes might require medical intervention, many improvements can be achieved through non invasive treatment - NasalRX and exercise at Musculoskeletal Solutions Christchurch and Silverstream North Canterbury.
MOUTH BREATHING -HOW TO FIX FOR SEVERE AND MILDER CONDITIONS
Medical Interventions
For severe cases, treatments like Adenoidectomy (removal of adenoids), orthodontic work, may be required however conservative low risk and highly effective NasalRX would be the place to start. Consult a Musculoskeletal practitioner for this tailored approach - such as Musculoskeletal Solutions clinic.
Lifestyle Changes to Encourage Nose Breathing without NasalRX as a place to start:
To promote nasal breathing:
Use saline sprays
Practice nasal exercises
Maintain proper tongue posture
Try mouth taping at night
These habits can make a significant difference over time.
Myofunctional Therapy Exercises included in NasalRX treatment instructions
Myofunctional therapy involves exercises to strengthen facial muscles and correct bad habits like mouth breathing - this is superceded often by NasalRX treatment that realigns the structure without the need for thee home strategies but in some cases it can be also necessary.
Key Exercises in Myofunctional Therapy
Some effective exercises include:
Tongue lifts
Lip seal exercises
Cheek strengthening
These exercises are often guided by a specialist but can also be practiced at home.
Along with Nasal RX to transform the structure of the bones to allow normal nasal breathing - the following techniques can be used to strengthen.
Mewing: A Natural Solution
Mewing is a simple technique that involves maintaining proper tongue posture to reshape your face and improve breathing.
How to Practice Mewing
To mew correctly:
Place your tongue flat against the roof of your mouth.
Keep your teeth lightly touching.
Seal your lips and breathe through your nose.
Practice consistently for noticeable results.
Benefits of Mewing
Regular mewing can lead to:
Better jawline definition
Improved posture
Aligned teeth
Enhanced facial symmetry
FAQs
Q1: Can mouth breathing cause health problems? Yes, it can lead to sleep apnea, dental issues, and chronic fatigue.
Q2: Does NasalRX work immediately? Yes patients report immediate results in the clearing of Sinuses often straight after treatment and the slight shifting of the nasal/cranial bones clear airways / passageways structurally to allow airways to be open.
Q3: How long does it take to see results from mewing? Visible changes can take months, but consistency is key.
Q4: Is surgery always necessary for enlarged adenoids? Not always. Mild cases may improve with dietary change, supplements, medication or lifestyle changes.
Q5: Can adults benefit from myofunctional therapy? Along with NasalR it’s effective for improving facial aesthetics and breathing.
Q6: Are there apps to help with mewing? Yes, apps like Mewing Trainer
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