Open mouth posture is a common issue that many people face, especially children. It occurs when an individual habitually keeps their mouth open, even when not speaking or eating. While some people may think it’s harmless, open mouth posture can lead to several dental, facial, and speech issues. In this article, we will discuss the causes and effects of open mouth posture and provide ways how to get rid of open mouth posture?
Causes of Open Mouth Posture
Nasal Obstruction
One of the leading causes of open mouth posture is nasal obstruction. When the nasal passages are blocked due to allergies or sinus problems, it becomes difficult to breathe through the nose.Â
This forces an individual to breathe through their mouth, leading to a habitual open mouth posture.
Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing, whether due to habit or nasal obstruction, can lead to open mouth posture. When an individual breathes through their mouth, the mouth tends to stay open even when not breathing, leading to habitual open mouth posture.
Tongue Tie
A tongue tie is a condition where the tongue is tethered to the floor of the mouth, limiting its range of motion. This can cause an individual to compensate by keeping their mouth open to breathe, leading to an open mouth posture.
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Habitual Open Mouth Posture
Some individuals may develop habitual open-mouth posture due to poor posture habits or as a result of a developmental issue.
Effects of Open Mouth Posture
Dental Problems
Open mouth posture can cause several dental problems, including malocclusion (misalignment of teeth), cavities, and gum disease. Mouth breathing can cause dry mouth, reducing saliva flow and increasing the risk of dental issues.
Facial Development Issues
Open mouth posture can affect facial development in children, leading to a long face and a narrow upper jaw. This can also result in a receding chin and a lower jaw that is set back.
Speech Impediments
Open mouth posture can affect speech development and cause speech impediments, such as lisping and stuttering.
Sleep Disorders
Open mouth posture can also lead to sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea. When an individual breathes through their mouth during sleep, it can cause snoring and affect the quality of sleep.
In severe cases, it can even cause sleep apnea, where an individual stops breathing during sleep.
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How to Get Rid of Open Mouth Posture?
Nasal Breathing Exercises
Nasal breathing exercises can help correct open mouth posture caused by nasal obstruction or mouth breathing.Â
Exercises such as humming, alternate nostril breathing, and deep breathing can help improve nasal breathing and reduce the need for mouth breathing.
Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy is a type of exercise that focuses on correcting improper tongue and facial muscle function.
It can help correct open mouth posture caused by a tongue tie or poor posture habits. A myofunctional therapist can create a personalized exercise plan to improve muscle function and correct open mouth posture.
Tongue Exercises
Tongue exercises can help correct open mouth posture caused by a tongue tie or poor muscle function. Simple exercises like tongue stretches and tongue thrusts can help improve tongue mobility and function.
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or aligners, can help correct open mouth posture caused by malocclusion or other dental issues.Â
By aligning the teeth and jaws, orthodontic treatment can help improve breathing and correct open-mouth posture.
Behavioral Modification
Behavioral modification techniques, such as habit reversal training, can help correct open-mouth posture caused by habitual behavior.Â
By identifying the triggers and habits associated with open mouth posture, one can learn to replace the habit with more appropriate behavior, such as closed mouth posture.
Prevention of Open Mouth Posture
Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help prevent open-mouth posture. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate hydration can help improve overall health and reduce the risk of breathing difficulties that can lead to mouth breathing.
Regular Dental Check-ups
Regular dental check-ups can help identify dental issues that can lead to open mouth postures, such as malocclusion and gum disease.Â
Early detection and treatment can help prevent open mouth posture and other dental complications.
Proper Oral Hygiene
Proper oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day and flossing daily, can help prevent dental issues that can lead to open mouth posture.
Regular cleaning by a dental professional can also help prevent gum disease and other dental complications.
Addressing Allergies and Sinus Issues
Addressing allergies and sinus issues can help prevent nasal obstruction and mouth breathing that can lead to open mouth posture.
Seeking treatment for allergies and sinus issues, such as medication or allergy shots, can help reduce the need for mouth breathing.
Conclusion
Open mouth posture is a common condition that can lead to several dental, facial, and speech complications. It can also affect sleep quality and overall health.
However, with the right techniques, open-mouth posture can be corrected, and preventive measures can help reduce the risk of developing this condition.Â
Nasal breathing exercises, myofunctional therapy, tongue exercises, orthodontic treatment, and behavioral modification techniques are all effective ways to correct open-mouth posture.Â
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular dental check-ups, proper oral hygiene, and addressing allergies and sinus issues can help prevent open mouth posture.
By taking action to correct open mouth posture, individuals can improve their overall health and quality of life. It is essential to consult with a dental or medical professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
FAQs
What is open mouth posture?
Open mouth posture is a condition where an individual habitually breathes through their mouth, keeping their mouth open even when not speaking or eating.
What are the effects of open-mouth posture?
Open mouth posture can lead to dental problems, facial development issues, speech impediments, and sleep disorders.
How can open-mouth posture be corrected?
Open mouth posture can be corrected through nasal breathing exercises, myofunctional therapy, tongue exercises, orthodontic treatment, and behavioral modification techniques.
How can open-mouth posture be prevented?
Open mouth posture can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular dental check-ups, proper oral hygiene, and addressing allergies and sinus issues.
Can open mouth posture be fixed in adults?
Yes, open-mouth posture can be fixed in adults through various corrective techniques.
How long does it take to correct open mouth posture?
The duration of correction for open mouth posture can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the chosen corrective technique. It is best to consult with a dental or medical professional for a personalized treatment plan.
References
- National Sleep Foundation. (2017). Mouth Breathing: Symptoms, Health Effects & Treatment. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mouth-breathing
- Mehta, N., & Chavda, A. (2018). Open mouth posture and its management: A review. Journal of International Oral Health, 10(1), 45-48.
- Almeida, F. R., & Lowe, A. A. (2018). Oral breathing and sleep disorders. In Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (pp. 353-366). Springer.
- Passos, V. F., & Ramos-Jorge, M. L. (2016). Open mouth posture: A narrative review of etiology, epidemiology, and clinical management. Journal of the American Dental Association, 147(11), 876-882.
- Chewings, N. J., & Hooper, L. (2016). Myofunctional therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea in adults. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, (10), CD011850.
