Does Breathing Affect Your Face?
Yes, breathing, particularly mouth breathing, significantly affects facial structure, especially during childhood development.
Several studies and medical sources confirm the link between breathing habits and facial features. Mouth breathing, unlike nose breathing, can lead to noticeable changes in facial structure.
-
Narrowing of the face: When the mouth is open to breathe, the muscles in the cheeks become taut. This creates an external force on the upper and lower jaw, resulting in a narrowing effect on the dental arches and the overall face. (Source: Multiple sources including Palmetto Smiles of Beaufort and other referenced articles.)
-
Increased facial height: Individuals who breathe through their mouths often exhibit a higher facial height – the distance from the glabella (the area between the eyebrows) to the chin. (Source: Verywell Health)
-
Elongated and narrow facial shape: Prolonged mouth breathing during childhood development can result in a longer, narrower facial structure lacking the fullness seen in individuals who are nose breathers. (Source: Allure)
-
Impact on Dental Arches: The narrowing effect on the jaw also affects the alignment of teeth and the overall shape of the dental arches.
It's important to note that the impact of breathing on facial structure is most significant during the growth and development phases of childhood. While adult facial structure is less malleable, continued mouth breathing can still contribute to ongoing changes.
Types of Breathing and Facial Structure
The primary focus is on the difference between mouth breathing and nose breathing. Nose breathing is generally considered the healthier method, promoting proper facial development and overall respiratory health.
-
Nose Breathing: Promotes proper jaw development and facial growth.
-
Mouth Breathing: Can lead to changes in facial structure as outlined above.
While conditions such as angioedema and Guillain-Barré syndrome can cause facial issues and breathing problems, these are separate medical conditions and are not the direct focus of how normal breathing habits impact facial structure.
