If you ever wondered how to clean your tongue properly, you are not alone. Every once in a while, a patient asks this very question. Some ask out of curiosity, while others ask because they discovered they have “bad breath.” If you notice lingering halitosis despite consistently brushing your teeth twice a day, then it may be your tongue that needs a little extra attention. Your tongue can harbor food particles or bacteria.
Sometimes people ask, “Is mouth breathing bad?” The short answer is YES.
What is the reason for the mouth breathing? Could it be temporary mouth breathing because a cold has stopped up your nose, or do you breathe through your mouth all day and night?
Do you ever find that your jaw clenches up under stress? If so, this is a normal reaction. However, many people do this chronically even while asleep, resulting in bruxism or tooth grinding. Tooth grinding damages the teeth, sometimes causes chronic pain and disrupts sleep.
Maintaining a healthy mouth is about so much more than just a beautiful smile. Of course, a radiant smile is attractive. But more importantly, your dental health influences all aspects of your health, well-being, and quality of life.
Occasionally, patients ask us questions like – What is a mouth breather? or Does mouth breathing impact oral health?
We hope this blog post helps you better understand how breathing through the mouth affects both your dental health and your overall health. This post is intended for educational purposes and is not a substitute for dental care. Feel free to talk with your dental provider if you have any questions, issues, or concerns.