Mouth Breathing Vs. Nose Breathing: Effects on Your Jawline Appearance and Health

Have you ever wondered why your jawline doesn't look as defined as you'd like?

 

The culprit might be something as simple as how you breathe. 

 

Many people don't realize that mouth breathing versus nose breathing can significantly impact not only their appearance, but also your overall health. 

 

In this article, we’ll explore the effects of mouth breathing on your jawline and health, and provide some super actionable tips to help you switch to nose breathing for a stronger, more attractive jawline (and better overall well-being!)

 

The Negative Effects of Mouth Breathing on Jawline Appearance

 

Mouth breathing can have a profound impact on the appearance of your face. Chronic mouth breathers often develop a narrow, elongated face with a recessed chin, a condition sometimes referred to as "mouth breathing face." (1)

 

This happens because mouth breathing leads to improper development and tone of facial muscles. 

 

When you breathe through your mouth, it can result in the muscles and bones of your face and jaw not developing correctly, which can also interfere with your bite (the way your upper and lower teeth fit together).

 

These dental issues can further exacerbate changes in your facial structure, making your jawline appear less defined and more recessed.

 

This can be particularly problematic when mouth breathing begins during the developmental years of childhood.

 

How Nose Breathing Promotes a Stronger, More Defined Jawline

 

Nose breathing encourages proper tongue posture, as well as the engagement of your facial muscles, promoting a more defined and stronger jawline. 

 

When you breathe through your nose, your tongue naturally rests on the roof of your mouth, which supports a more balanced facial structure over time.

 

Nasal breathing is also crucial for craniofacial development, ensuring that the bones and muscles of the face grow correctly. 

 

This natural alignment not only enhances the attractiveness of your jawline but also supports overall oral and dental health, reducing the likelihood of malocclusions like underbites or overbites and other dental issues.

 

Mouth Breathing and Its Impact on Overall Health

 

Chronic mouth breathing isn’t just linked to negative changes in our appearance, but also a variety of health problems. 

 

Firstly, mouth breathing can cause dry mouth, since saliva evaporates more quickly when air passes over the mucous membranes in your mouth, increasing the risk of both tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. No, thanks! (2) (3)

 

Next up, mouth breathing can significantly affect your sleep quality, and is a common cause of snoring. It can also worsen sleep apnea, a condition in which you stop breathing periodically during sleep. (4) (5)

 

Respiratory problems are also common among mouth breathers since the air is not being filtered and humidified properly as it should be within the nasal passages. (6)

 

Tips for Transitioning from Mouth Breathing to Nose Breathing

 

Transitioning from mouth breathing to nose breathing can significantly improve your health and jawline appearance. 

 

Luckily, there are ways to train yourself to sleep with your mouth closed.

 

First things first, start by identifying any underlying causes of mouth breathing, such as nasal obstructions or allergies, and address them with the help of a healthcare professional.

 

Learn more here about why you can’t breathe through your nose.

 

If you have nothing inhibiting your ability to breathe through your nose, mouth taping at night is the most effective method to encourage nasal breathing during sleep.

 

This innovative practice involves sealing your lips with medical-grade tape before going to bed to prevent mouth breathing. 

 

Not all mouth tapes offer the same results, so it’s essential to choose a high-quality product that is both gentle on sensitive skin, yet strong enough to stay on all night without the need for readjustments such as Dream Recovery Mouth Tape.

 

You can see our choices for best mouth tape for sleeping <-- here

 

You can also practice nasal breathing during the day by consciously keeping your mouth closed (or using mouth tape when you’re at home) and performing mindful breathing exercises. 

 

Remember, if you experience persistent difficulty with nasal breathing, you should seek guidance from an ENT specialist to ensure there are no serious underlying issues.

 

 

Try Dream Recovery Mouth Tape Now

 

Does Mouth Breathing Affect Sleep Quality?

 

Yes, unfortunately, mouth breathing can severely affect your sleep quality. 

 

Firstly, if you breathe through your mouth, you’re missing out on the relaxing benefits of nasal breathing which has been shown to activate your parasympathetic nervous system, the mode that gets your body ready for rest. 

 

Mouth breathing also often leads to snoring and worsened symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, disrupting sleep patterns and causing frequent awakenings during the night. 

 

Poor sleep quality due to mouth breathing can result in daytime fatigue, impaired cognitive function, and mood disturbances. 

 

By switching to nasal breathing at night (one of the many benefits of mouth taping for sleep), you can improve your sleep quality, reduce snoring and the risk of certain sleep-related disorders, and enhance your overall level of relaxation and well-being. (4) (7)

 

The Link Between Mouth Breathing and Poor Posture

 

Maintaining good posture is crucial for overall health and can help in achieving a more defined and attractive jawline, however, mouth breathing can cause a more forward head position and rounded shoulders, significantly affecting your posture. (8)

 

This poor posture not only impacts your jawline appearance but can also contribute to back and neck pain. 

 

Therefore, it’s essential to correct mouth breathing habits if you want to improve your posture and prevent any associated health issues and discomfort.

 

Exercises to Promote Nose Breathing and Improve Jawline Appearance

 

Just like working out any other parts of our body, incorporating exercises to strengthen the muscles in your jaw and those involved in nasal breathing can significantly improve your jawline appearance. 

 

Here are a few effective exercises you might want to try:

 

Tongue Posture Exercises

 

Practicing proper tongue posture can help promote nasal breathing and improve your jawline definition over time. 

 

Try pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth and holding it there for a few seconds. You might have heard this practice referred to as 'mewing.' Avoid biting your tongue during this exercise to ensure comfort and proper technique.

 

Repeat this exercise several times a day to strengthen the tongue and promote better facial muscle engagement.

 

Facial Muscle Exercises

 

Facial exercises can also enhance muscle tone and definition, transforming the shape of your face. 

 

Try exercises like cheek lifts, where you smile widely and lift your cheeks towards your eyes, keeping them there for a few seconds before lowering them again.

 

Another effective exercise is jaw clenches, where you gently clench your jaw and hold it for a few seconds before releasing.

 

Chew Hard Gum

 

Chewing gum not only helps to strengthen the muscles along your jawline but can also help to promote nasal breathing during the day since you definitely won’t be breathing through your mouth while chewing. 

 

For the best results, choose a hard gum that’s specially designed to work out your jaw. Keep reading here to find out more about the best chewing gum for jawline definition.

 

FAQs

 

Can mouth breathing cause a double chin?

 

Yes, mouth breathing can contribute to a double chin by reducing the definition of your jawline over time. 

 

Why can’t I breathe out of my nose?

 

You might not be able to breathe out of your nose for a few reasons such as a deviated septum, allergies, respiratory infections, nasal polyps, or enlarged adenoids.

 

How can I stop mouth breathing right away?

 

You can stop mouth breathing right away by using mouth tape before going to sleep. This is the fastest way to instantly prevent mouth breathing and promote healthier nasal breathing.

 

What are some of the most common mouth breathing symptoms?

 

The most common symptoms of mouth breathing include dry mouth, snoring, poor sleep quality, reduced jawline definition and receding chin, bad breath, gum disease, and fatigue.

 

Conclusion

 

Switching from mouth breathing to nose breathing can significantly enhance your jawline appearance and overall health. 

 

Chronic mouth breathing leads to a narrower face, recessed chin, and dental issues, while nose breathing supports proper facial development and muscle engagement. 

 

Nasal breathing can also help to reduce health problems like dry mouth, poor sleep, and snoring. 

 

Addressing any potential nasal obstructions and using mouth tape can help you transition to healthier breathing habits to improve your jawline appearance, sleep quality, and overall well-being!

 

 

Try Dream Recovery Mouth Tape now for the best results.

 

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References:


  1. Zheng, W., Zhang, X., Dong, J., & He, J. (2020). Facial morphological characteristics of mouth breathers vs. nasal breathers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of lateral cephalometric data. Experimental and therapeutic medicine, 19(6), 3738–3750. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2020.8611
  2. Tamkin J. (2020). Impact of airway dysfunction on dental health. Bioinformation, 16(1), 26–29. https://doi.org/10.6026/97320630016026
  3. Choi, J. E., Waddell, J. N., Lyons, K. M., & Kieser, J. A. (2016). Intraoral pH and temperature during sleep with and without mouth breathing. Journal of oral rehabilitation, 43(5), 356–363. https://doi.org/10.1111/joor.12372
  4. Lee, Y. C., Lu, C. T., Cheng, W. N., & Li, H. Y. (2022). The Impact of Mouth-Taping in Mouth-Breathers with Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Preliminary Study. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 10(9), 1755. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10091755
  5. Yi-Fong Su, V., Chou, K. T., Tseng, C. H., Kuo, C. Y., Su, K. C., Perng, D. W., Chen, Y. M., & Chang, S. C. (2023). Mouth opening/breathing is common in sleep apnea and linked to more nocturnal water loss. Biomedical journal, 46(3), 100536. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bj.2022.05.001
  6. Naclerio, R. M., Pinto, J., Assanasen, P., & Baroody, F. M. (2007). Observations on the ability of the nose to warm and humidify inspired air. Rhinology, 45(2), 102–111.
  7. Watso, J. C., Cuba, J. N., Boutwell, S. L., Moss, J. E., Bowerfind, A. K., Fernandez, I. M., Cassette, J. M., May, A. M., & Kirk, K. F. (2023). Acute nasal breathing lowers diastolic blood pressure and increases parasympathetic contributions to heart rate variability in young adults. American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology, 325(6), R797–R808. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpregu.00148.2023
  8. Jaiswal, S., Sayed, F., Kulkarni, V. V., Kulkarni, P., Tekale, P., & Fafat, K. (2023). Comparative Evaluation of the Relationship Between Airway Inadequacy, Head Posture, and Craniofacial Morphology in Mouth-Breathing and Nasal-Breathing Patients: A Cephalometric Observational Study. Cureus, 15(10), e47435. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.47435
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