NE Valley Times

• Breathing through the nose is a common practice in yoga, thanks to its many benefits.

• Physicians also recommend breathing through the nose, as it provides a natural filter.

• Breathing through the mouth can lead to poor oral health and bad breath.  

Yoga is an ancient practice, and yogis have studied the role of breathing for centuries, according to UK-based company Heather Yoga. Breathing through the nose, as opposed to the mouth, is strongly preferred in many yoga practices.

KTM Yoga reports that, although people should breathe through their noses most of the time, as many as 60% of adults often breathe through their mouths. Hair and mucus within the nose act as filters that trap bacteria and dust. Nasal breathing also increases oxygen intake and boosts brain activity. Another benefit of breathing through the nose is that it helps to slow airflow, which widens blood vessels and slows the heart rate, leading to a feeling of calm.

Dr. Franklyn Gergits of Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center said that breathing through the nose has multiple health benefits. 

"We want to breathe through the nose because the nose provides warming, helps humidify and helps us clean and pressurize air for the lungs, " Gergits told NE Valley Times. "Breathing air through the nose with our mouth closed helps deliver more oxygen-carrying capacity, which reduces inflammation and stress to the body. As far as the nasal vestibule, we want that to be clean. We want it to be open and functioning at its prime. If chronic sinusitis is taking away the nasal breathing, then we're going to automatically breathe more through the mouth. That proves to be inefficient during the day or at night."

People who suffer from allergies or chronic sinus problems are more likely to breathe through their mouths, but mouth breathing can lead to oral health issues, according to McCarl Dental Group.

Mouth breathing dries up saliva, which then allows bacteria and plaque to build up on the teeth, which can cause cavities, gum disease and chronic bad breath. Regularly breathing through the mouth can also, over time, lead to strained jaw joints, snoring, sleep apnea, enlarged tonsils and a higher risk for airway disorders, such as asthma.

For more information about the symptoms of chronic sinusitis, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.