Did you know that the majority of these breathes should be through the nose? Breathing is 24/7, and dysfunction repeated many times every single day certainly adds up to significant problems. We could all stand to improve. There are many benefits to nasal breathing that just don’t happen through the mouth.

Benefits of Nasal Breathing, one of the four-goals of Myofunctional Therapy

• Your Natural Filter: Our nose is the ultimate air cleaner. It filters bacteria, viruses, and more.‍
• Warms and humidifies: Our nose prepares the air, so it is just right for our body. Moisture is added to keep the airway and lungs from drying out.‍
• Nitric oxide produced: This molecule widens air passages in the lungs and blood vessels for better breathing and circulation.‍
• Decreases heart rate: Lower heart rate reduces anxiety and allows you to handle stress better.‍
• Better oxygen delivery:  Improves cognitive function, better sleep.‍
• Less lactic acid build-up: Quicker muscle recovery

Identifying mouth breathing as early as possible and retraining to focus on nose breathing is vital for optimal health. If kids spend years with their mouths hanging open, breathing through the mouth can result in their faces narrowing,  jaws won’t develop correctly, resulting in teeth crowding-leading to braces. Imagine spending a lifetime breathing through a thin straw (reason: the airway develops abnormally narrow); even if you are fit and determined, you are at a disadvantage.