A mouthbreather breathes through his or her mouth. The mouth was not intended to be used for breathing but when the nose is blocked up, the person has to use the mouth. This dries out the mouth and there are many associated problems with mouth breathing including snoring, long face syndrome, adneoid facies, tooth grinding and obstructive sleep apnea.

          The most common problem that causes a mouthbreather to breath though the mouth is nasal allergies. These allergies cause the three turbinates in each side of the nose to swell and eventually fibrose. This causes permanent blockage of the nose and forces the patient to mouth breath. Blockage in the veins draining the nose cause dark circles under the eyes called allergic shiners. The allergic shiner is a dead give away that a patient has nasal allergies. However, many of these patients have suffered with a blocked nose that they think this is normal.

         A mouthbreather usually has several dental problems including crowded teeth, buck teeth, TMJ pain, tongue thrust and/or an open bite. Without first correcting the breathing problem, orthodontic correction usually fails and the patient relapses several years after treatment. Many of these patients have had orthodontic treatment several times.

          Dr. Padolsky and the dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients.A mouthbeather can have many problems because it disturbs the normal functioning and growth of the teeth and jaw bones. If you are concerned that mouth breathing is effecting your teeth and gums, consider making a consultation appointment with Dr. Padolsky by calling  404-874-7428.