What Are the Advantages of Nose Breathing Vs. Mouth Breathing?

You very likely breathe without thinking about it. Your body does it automatically, without much, if any conscious effort on your behalf.

But it’s important to pay attention to how you breathe. In general, it’s healthier to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth. That’s because nose breathing is more natural and helps your body effectively use the air you inhale.

Yet, it’s estimated that about 30-50% adults breathe through their mouth, especially earlier in the day. This could potentially lead to health issues like bad breath and dry mouth.

How Does Nose Breathing Differ From Mouth Breathing?

Nose breathing

Your nose is designed to help you breathe safely, efficiently, and properly. It can do this due to its ability to:

• Filter out foreign particles. Nasal hairs filters out dust, allergens, and pollen, which helps prevent them from entering your lungs.

• Humidify inhaled air. Your nose warms and moisturizes the air you breathe in. This brings the air you inhale to body temperature, making it easier for your lungs to use.

• Produce nitric oxide. During nasal breathing, your nose releases nitric oxide (NO). NO is a vasodilator, which means it helps to widen blood vessels. This can help improve oxygen circulation in your body.

Mouth breathing

Your mouth helps you eat, drink, and talk. You can also use your mouth to breathe, but it doesn’t have many of the unique features that your nose has for this purpose.

In some cases, mouth breathing is necessary. You might need to breathe through your mouth if you have nasal congestion, small nostrils or a deviated septum.

The downside of mouth breathing is your mouth loses moisture, which can cause dry mouth. It could also increase your risk of inhaling unfiltered air, allergic reactions to allergens, asthma, bad breath, tooth decay, gum inflammation (gingivitis), snoring, sleep apnoea and teeth or jaw abnormalities.

Nose Breathing Exercises To Try

Breathing exercises may help improve your nose breathing. These techniques may also help enhance your lung function, increase respiratory muscle strength, and relieve stress and anxiety.

Here are two types of breathing exercises you can try or watch a quick video which will direct you through a set of 5 minute breathing exercises.