Adult Mouth Breathing: Why It Matters
Understand the causes, long-term effects, and how therapy can help.
Stanford University, Prof. Andrew Huberman: “Mouth breathing during sleep is not just undesirable; it is actually dangerous—as it is associated with sleep apnea (which puts people at risk for numerous cardiovascular issues, impaired craniofacial development in kids, aesthetics, tooth and gut health in adults, and more).”
What Is Mouth Breathing—and Why Does It Happen?
Mouth breathing is more than a habit. It’s often a sign that your airway, muscles, or breathing patterns aren’t working the way they should. Most adults who mouth breathe began in childhood and never learned to use their nose, lips, and tongue the way the body is designed to function.
What Causes Mouth Breathing?
- Chronic nasal congestion or sinus issues
- Allergies or environmental triggers
- Deviated septum or narrow nasal passages
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids (even after removal)
- Tongue tie or low tongue posture
- Weak lips or facial muscles
- Habitual mouth breathing carried over from childhood
What Mouth Breathing Affects
- ❌ Lower oxygen → fatigue, fog, poor recovery
- ❌ Contributes to some forms of asthma
- ❌ Sinus infections, post-nasal drip, chronic congestion
- ❌ No air filtering → more exposure to allergens, pollutants, viruses
- ❌ Dry mouth → more cavities, gum disease, dehydration
- ❌ TMJ tension, jaw pain, tight neck and shoulders
- ❌ Poor posture → forward head, spinal strain, core weakness
- ❌ Snoring, poor sleep, sleep apnea risk
- ❌ Narrow facial growth if untreated early
- ❌ Decreased exercise and physical endurance
Tired all the time
No matter the length of sleep,
wake up tired. Never feel rested.
brain fog/Memory Troubles
Decreased productivity.
Increased stress. Depression.
Neck/Upper back pain
Mouth rests open. Poor posture.
Tired Eyes.
Night time Dry mouth
Frequent cavities. Headaches.
Weakened immune system.
How Myofunctional Therapy Can Help
- Nasal breathing—even while sleeping
- Jaw and neck tension
- Oxygen absorption and circulation
- Facial balance and muscle tone
- Sleep quality, focus, and physical energy
- Your body’s natural ability to recover and reset
Our Approach Is Built to Last
This isn’t a temporary fix—it’s lasting therapy.
We don’t just reduce symptoms. We address the root cause and guide you through retraining how you breathe and function, step by step.
Creating new subconscious beneficial habits.
How We Help You
Free Consultation:
Not sure if mouth breathing is affecting your health?
We offer a free 45-minute consultation to assess your symptoms and help you understand if therapy is the right fit.
In-person or online.
New Patient Exam:
Thorough, comfortable Exam & Assessment.
Diagnosis & Treatment planning.
Programs:
Daily easy facial exercises.
Tones muscles and tissues of the face, mouth, throat & airway.
Appointments flexible to your schedule.
The Why & How of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
What we do
Neuromuscular re-education in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy involves training and re-patterning the muscles for better oral and facial function. It corrects improper muscle habits, improves coordination, and promotes a healthier orofacial system. Through targeted exercises, it enhances muscle control, strength, and coordination, leading to improved overall well-being.
How we do it
By focusing on the muscles and tissues of the upper airway, the tongue, jaw, face, head, and neck, we utilize tailored exercises to tone or relax these areas. Within a year, we address the disorder from its foundation, rather than using a band-aid approach. Our goal is to facilitate lasting positive change by resetting detrimental habits and targeting the root cause of the issue.
Best age to start
All ages (6 months+) can benefit from our services. While children tend to experience significant impact due to the adaptability of their oral-facial structures during the growth stage, adults can also greatly benefit from targeted muscle toning and relaxation. This can significantly improve the aging process and enhance the quality of life in their senior years. It's never too late to make a positive difference in your health.
Free Consultation
Everyone is eligible for a free consultation, regardless of age. This provides an excellent opportunity to have your questions answered and meet your Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist in Ottawa.