September 08, 2025 | Nasal Breathing, Nasal Surgery
5 minute read
Most people don’t give much thought to how they breathe. Yet whether air enters through your nose or your mouth can have profound effects on your health, sleep, and even appearance.
While nasal breathing is the preferred physiological method of respiration, mouth breathing is usually a compensatory response to an underlying nasal problem. In many cases, nasal surgery can help correct this issue—especially if it’s caused by structural obstructions like a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates.
Why Nasal Breathing Is Optimal
When air passes through your nose, it is:
- Filtered
- Humidified
- Warmed
These functions protect the lungs, support optimal oxygen exchange, and defend against inhaled particles, allergens, and pathogens. Nasal breathing also offers natural airway resistance, which helps keep the upper airway open and reduces the risk of airway collapse during sleep.
Nasal Breathing and Brain Function
Surprisingly, how we breathe can also impact our brain. Nasal breathing activates olfactory sensory neurons that modulate brain rhythms and enhance cognitive processes. This effect does not occur with mouth breathing.
In short, breathing through your nose supports both respiratory and neurological health.
The Consequences of Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing bypasses the nasal airway’s essential functions. As a result, it can lead to:
- Increased airway resistance
- Higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea
- Fatigue and poor sleep quality
- Dry mouth and oral health issues
In Children
Chronic mouth breathing in children can interfere with:
- Jaw and facial development
- Tongue posture and chewing
- Speech and dental alignment
In Adults
Adults who mouth breathe may experience:
- Disrupted sleep
- Impaired cognitive performance
- Increased oral infections and bad breath
Impact on the Microbiome
Emerging research shows that mouth breathing can disrupt the oral and nasal microbiome, increasing the presence of opportunistic pathogens and altering salivary proteins—potentially affecting both local and systemic health.
What Causes Mouth Breathing?
Mouth breathing is usually not a habit—it’s a sign of nasal obstruction. Common causes include:
- Deviated nasal septum
- Enlarged turbinates
- Chronic sinusitis
- Allergic rhinitis
- Nasal valve collapse
- Enlarged adenoids or tonsils (especially in children)
For some patients, medical management with allergy medications, nasal sprays, or saline rinses may help. For others, structural blockages may require surgical correction.
How Can a Septoplasty and/or Inferior Turbinate Reduction Help?
When structural issues are the root of mouth breathing, nasal surgery can be a highly effective solution. Two common procedures are:
Septoplasty
A deviated septum—when the cartilage and bone dividing your nasal passages is off-center—can significantly block airflow. A septoplasty straightens the septum, opening the airway and allowing for normal nasal breathing.
Inferior Turbinate Reduction
The inferior turbinates are structures inside the nose that help warm and filter air. When they’re enlarged, they can block airflow. Turbinate reduction surgery reduces their size while preserving function, resulting in improved breathing without drying out the nose.
Benefits of These Surgeries
- Restore natural nasal airflow
- Improve sleep quality
- Reduce or eliminate mouth breathing
- Enhance oxygen intake and daytime energy
- Lower risk of snoring and sleep apnea
When performed by a skilled surgeon, these procedures can dramatically improve quality of life.
The Importance of Getting to the Root Cause of Mouth Breathing
While surgery can be life-changing, it’s not the right approach for everyone. That’s why it’s critical to identify the underlying cause of mouth breathing through a thorough medical evaluation.
See an ENT or Facial Plastic Surgeon
A board-certified ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) specialist or Facial Plastic Surgeon trained in nasal structure and function can:
- Conduct a nasal exam and endoscopy
- Order imaging (like a CT scan) if needed
- Diagnose structural vs. inflammatory issues
- Recommend a personalized treatment plan
Getting an expert evaluation ensures you get the right treatment—whether that’s medication, allergy management, breathing therapy, or surgery.
Why Choose Facial Plastic Surgery Associates?
At Facial Plastic Surgery Associates in Houston, our award-winning surgeons, Dr. Sean Delaney and Dr. Russell Kridel specialize in the functional and aesthetic aspects of the nose. We’re not just concerned with how your nose looks — we ensure that it works properly too.
Why Patients Trust Our Practice:
Double Board-Certified Surgeons in Facial Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery (ENT)
Extensive experience performing Septoplasty, Turbinate reduction, and Nasal Valve Repair
Focus on long-term breathing improvement, not just cosmetic results
State-of-the-art diagnostics to pinpoint the root cause of obstruction
Consistently rated among the top practices in Houston for nasal surgery outcomes
We understand how disruptive mouth breathing can be. If you are ready to breathe better, sleep better, and feel better, we are here to help.
Final Thoughts: Correcting Mouth Breathing for Good
Mouth breathing isn’t just a nuisance — it’s a warning sign. Whether it is disturbing your sleep, impacting your health, or altering facial development, it’s important to address the underlying cause.
For many patients, nasal surgery, such as Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction — can provide lasting relief. But the key is starting with a proper evaluation by an experienced ENT or Facial Plastic Surgeon.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Schedule a consultation with Facial Plastic Surgery Associates today and take the first step toward clearer breathing and better health. Call 713-526-5665 for a consultation with Dr. Sean Delaney or Dr. Russell Kridel.
