Nasal breathing

Summary

Effectiveness

1/3

A modest aesthetic interest in adults, especially for the mouth at rest and dryness. The remodeling of the jaws by this habit alone has not been demonstrated.

Accessibility

3/3

A habit without equipment when the nose lets air pass comfortably; a persistent obstruction requires treating its cause.

When resting, focus on breathing through your nose when it is comfortable. The nose prepares the inhaled air and this habit allows you to keep your mouth closed and relaxed, while limiting the dryness linked to the continuous passage of air through the mouth. It is a simple benchmark for daily functioning, which can also improve the presentation of the mouth at rest.

For appearance, distinguish between periods of life: chronic mouth breathing is associated with differences in facial development during growth. In adults, returning to nasal breathing is not a proven method for widening the jaw or reshaping the facial bones. The interest mainly concerns the comfort and resting posture of the mouth.

Sources

  1. frimley-healthiertogether.nhs.uk · Upper_airway_health.pdf (new tab)
  2. Dry mouth (new tab)
  3. Effects of mouth breathing on facial skeletal development in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis (new tab)
  4. The Musculoskeletal Consequences of Mouth Breathing in Adults: A Systematic Review (new tab)

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About this content

The contents do not claim any medical or paramedical qualifications and are not systematically reviewed by a healthcare professional.
The site shares general information and practical tips. It does not make a diagnosis, does not prescribe any treatment and does not replace advice adapted to your situation.