Infections and allergies

Nasal breathing is essential for the physiological functioning of the upper airways (nose and throat), as it filters the air, controls its humidity and temperature. Oral breathing, on the other hand, can lead to infections, allergies, tonsillitis and considerably increase the risk of cavities as well as bad breath.

Description

Nasal breathing filters the air and thus provides a biological barrier against particles, allergens, bacteria and viruses. Bacteria and particles are trapped by nasal mucus (liquid sticking to the inner walls of the nose).  Antibodies and nitric oxide (produced by the sinus mucosa) then act to destroy these microbes.

Breathing through the mouth does not provide this protection.

Consequences

The absence of air filtration can indeed be the cause of infections: germs and particles penetrate directly into the body. This results in frequent risks of infection of the throat, nose, ears (rhinitis, rhinopharyngitis, sinusitis, ear infections…) bronchi and lungs. These continuous attacks can lead to hypertrophy of the tonsils… the first barrier of the immune system.

On the other hand, the dried-out mouth does not have enough saliva to clean up food residue and bacteria after a meal. They get stuck on the base of the tongue and/or between the teeth and the residues will decompose on the spot, causing smelly breath and promoting cavities, gingivitis and other periodontal infections.