Breathing through your nose is often encouraged for various health benefits, according to experts. Dr. Sam Huh, the chief of otolaryngology at Mount Sinai Brooklyn Hospital, explains that breathing through our nose is the default mode from an evolutionary standpoint. As newborns, we can only breathe through our nose.
Breathing through our nose acts as a filter and a humidifier for our bodies. Nose hair filters out debris, and mucus traps potentially dangerous substances like fungal spores, pollen, bacteria, and viruses. Additionally, our nose is designed to slow down and heat up the air, ensuring that it reaches our lungs at body temperature and is completely humidified. This is important because our lungs require moisture to function properly. Breathing dry air through the mouth can lead to discomfort and drying of the throat.
Breathing through the mouth also lacks the filtration and lung benefits provided by nasal breathing. It can even have dental consequences, such as enlarged tonsils, teeth grinding, jaw joint problems, tooth wear, malocclusion, and periodontal disease. It is important to note that while breathing through the mouth is not necessarily bad, nasal breathing is generally preferred.
Some individuals have turned to mouth taping as a way to promote nasal breathing. However, experts advise caution and recommend ruling out any underlying issues or nasal obstructions before attempting this practice. Mouth taping may not effectively address the root cause of mouth breathing and should not be done without proper examination or direction from a healthcare professional. It is also essential to use appropriate tape that can be easily removed and to be aware that there is limited data on the effectiveness of this method in changing breathing patterns.
In conclusion, breathing through the nose offers several health benefits, including filtration, humidification, and prevention of discomfort and dental issues. However, extreme measures like mouth taping should be approached with caution and only after consulting a healthcare professional. If you struggle to breathe through your nose, it is advisable to seek the expertise of an ear, nose, and throat doctor to identify and address any underlying issues.