Mouth breathing: a silent disaster for oral health
- Hësyrë care
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
One of the most underestimated factors in implantology and holistic dentistry
Mouth breathing is not just a simple habit. It is a profound physiological disorder that alters the biology of the mouth, maxillofacial development, the oral microbiota, and the long-term stability of implants.
The consequences are major , often invisible, but scientifically proven.
Chronic dry mouth (Xerostomia)
Breathing through the mouth causes constant evaporation of saliva , an essential element of oral health.
Direct consequences:
Decrease in salivary pH → acidity
Loss of buffering capacity
Decrease in oral immune defenses
Accelerated bacterial multiplication
Increase in pathological biofilm
➡ Result:
recurrent caries, demineralization, persistent gingivitis and increased risk of peri-implantitis.
Oral microbiota imbalance
Saliva is a living environment that naturally regulates bacteria.
Without saliva:
anaerobic bacteria proliferate
appearance of a more aggressive biofilm
chronic gingival inflammation
spontaneous bleeding
➡ In implanted patients:
The microbiota becomes pro-inflammatory → risk of peri-implantitis multiplied by 3.
Chronic gingival inflammation
Mouth breathing results in:
dry gums
alteration of the epithelial barrier
mechanical irritation due to airflow
decrease in local oxygenation
Red, shiny, thin gums = clinical signature of mouth breathing.
Altered maxillofacial development in children
In children and adolescents, the consequences are severe:
narrow palace
V-shaped maxillary arch
teeth clenched / congestion
retrognathia
airway constriction
forward head posture
➡ Mouth breathing develops a distinct craniofacial phenotype , which is difficult to correct in adulthood.
Disturbed sleep and apnea
Mouth breathing is closely linked to:
snoring
obstructive sleep apnea
nocturnal hypoxia
chronic fatigue
nocturnal bruxism (compensatory mechanism)
➡ This disruption is increasing:
general inflammation
joint pain (TMJ)
cervical muscle tension
Implant stability compromised
A mouth-breathing patient presents with:
inflamed mucosa
difficulty in healing
pathological flora
decreased saliva quality
acidic pH
➡ Result: slower osseointegration higher risk of mucositis/peri-implantitis more demanding maintenance
This is one of the main hidden factors in late implant failure .
Halitosis (bad breath)
Weak saliva + anaerobic flora = volatile bacterial proliferation.
Mouth breathers often experience persistent morning halitosis .
Alteration of local immunity
Saliva = lysozymes, IgA, lactoferrin, etc.
Mouth breathing = drastic decrease in these immune molecules.
➡ Oral immunity drops → more frequent infections.
Why is this crucial in holistic implantology?
Because mouth breathing:
explains unexplained gum inflammation
blocks implant healing
generates relapses of periodontitis
deteriorates overall health
increases implant failures at 5 years
This is the number 1 factor to identify in your Global Inflammatory History .
How to detect it?
Lips constantly slightly parted
Narrow Palace
Dry and shiny gums
Morning halitosis
Tongue down at rest
Low smile line
Pronounced nasolabial folds
Snoring reported
What to do in clinical practice?
Assess
Breathing and sleep questionnaire
Clinical observation
Radio/CBCT: Airway Analysis
Sleep apnea? Suspected → ENT / sleep
To correct
Myofunctional therapy (tongue rehabilitation)
Lip sealing
Maxillary expansion in young people
Treatment of nocturnal parafunctions
Aromatherapy for nasal breathing (peppermint, eucalyptus)
Stabilize
Hydration + anti-inflammatory nutrition
Plant-based spray to restore saliva and microbiota
Miswak/Neem infusions for chronic mucositis
Hygiene adapted for mouth respirators
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