Nasal Breathing

To live we must have oxygen. The way in which our body is supplied with that oxygen is a critical component of a healthy life. We were meant to breathe in and out through our nose all day and all night. Nasal breathing helps to warm and moisturize the air, as well as filter out harmful bacteria and viruses. Breathing through the nose is also less stressful to the body than mouth breathing and inhalation through our nose supplies our body with the important molecule Nitric Oxide (NO). But more on NO later.

Maintain Proper Lip Seal

The proper position for our lips is in a natural and comfortable closed position. When our mouth is closed, our breathing will be through the nose. Mouths were designed for eating, not breathing. When we breathe through our mouth we can experience daytime tiredness, allergies, sleep disorders, digestive issues, tooth decay, and more. With healthy nasal breathing our body enters a "rest and digest" state. Since a large portion of our body's recover process occurs during sleep, it is important to nasal breathe.

Proper Tongue Position

The entire tongue should rest on the roof of the mouth. When it does it then acts as a natural palate expander, which then allow more space for our teeth to come in straight. When the tongue is in the proper position, it then provides an internal support structure for the upper jaw and plays a crucial role in a person's facial appearance and overall facial development. When the tongue fills up the entire roof of the mouth and rests in the upper palate it allows the face to grow and develop to its full potential.

Correct Swallowing Pattern

A tongue thrust is when the tongue pushes forward when swallowing. This makes it possible to swallow small amounts of air which can cause digestive issues such as stomach aches, gas, acid reflux, etc. Even after braces a person with a tongue thrust can push their front teeth forward and/or cause spaces in their previously straightened teeth. This is called a relapse. Children that use pacifiers or finger or thumb suck can develop a habit of a reverse swallow, also known as a tongue thrust.