Breathing Right And Why It Matters

Breathing is something we rarely think about—until something goes wrong. But here’s the truth: how you breathe matters just as much as that you breathe.

At Centreville Family Dentistry, we talk a lot about airways, nasal breathing, and oral development—because they’re deeply connected to dental health, facial growth, and quality of life.

The Problem with Mouth Breathing

Mouth breathing isn’t just a “bad habit”—it’s often a sign that something deeper is going on. And when it becomes chronic, it can cause a ripple effect across the entire body.

Common consequences of chronic mouth breathing include:

• Narrowed jaw and crowded teeth

• Poor sleep

• Poor posture

• Sleep-disordered breathing (like snoring or sleep apnea)

• Dry mouth and increased risk of cavities

• Forward head posture and poor facial development in kids

• Lower oxygen intake = lower energy and brain fog

Many kids (and adults) don’t even realize they’re mouth breathers until we assess them—and once we do, the puzzle pieces start to fit.

Why Nasal Breathing Is Better

Nasal breathing isn’t just more efficient—it’s how the body is meant to breathe.

When you breathe through your nose, you:

✔️ Filter and warm the air
✔️ Produce nitric oxide, which helps open airways and fight bacteria
✔️ Support proper tongue posture and jaw growth
✔️ Improve oxygen delivery to your brain and muscles
✔️ Sleep deeper and feel more energized

It’s not a stretch to say: Better breathing = better living.

The Dental Connection: Why We Care

So what does breathing have to do with the dentist?

A lot.

We often see the effects of poor breathing in the mouth—like:

• High, narrow palates

• Tongue ties and low tongue posture

• Crowded teeth and underdeveloped jaws

• Worn-down teeth from clenching or grinding (caused by poor sleep)

At our office, we screen patients—especially kids—for signs of airway issues and collaborate with ENTs, myofunctional therapists, and orthodontists when needed.

What Can Be Done?

The good news is: Breathing issues can often be corrected or improved—especially when caught early.

Depending on the cause, treatment options may include:

• Myofunctional therapy

• ALF or palate-expanding appliances

• Tongue tie release (frenectomy)

• Functional orthodontics

• Nasal breathing retraining

Our goal is to support a well-developed airway, strong facial growth, and long-term health—not just straight teeth.

Breathe Better, Live Better

If you (or your child) snore, breathe through the mouth, struggle with sleep, or have chronic congestion—let’s talk. We’ll help you understand what’s happening and guide you toward a healthier, happier way of breathing.