Breathing through your mouth can reduce one's life expectancy by a decade.

[Bretrick]

Lying in bed last night I became aware of my breathing.
40 plus years ago, after one of the regular bashings I received my nose was broken.
I remember the doctor talking about requiring a Septoplasty operation, a procedure to straighten the septum (the cartilage and bone inside your nose that separates your nostrils)
I do know that I never had that operation for what ever reason.
Since having my nose broken I have always breathed through my mouth as using the nose requires me to actively think about breathing. For me breathing through my nose is not natural and requires far more effort than mouth breathing.

Mouth Breathing negative aspects;
Results in less pressure in the airway, leading to less efficient oxygen/CO2 exchange
Increases snoring and sleep apnea
Lowers heart rate variability
Reduces sleep quality
Reduces the release of vasopressin, a hormone which eventually impacts kidney function
and the body's water balance
Increases the likelihood of periodontal disease (tooth decay) as it significantly changes the mouth's pH
Bypasses a key function of nasal tissue, namely to regulate blood flow ad brain function

The above issues when taken as a whole can reduce life expectancy by up to a decade.
Oh great, as if there is not enough to worry about getting through life.
Now I am being told if I want to live longer I need to Shut My Mouth

 

[Kaila]

Very sorry you had those bad experiences. 40 or so years ago.

 

[Bretrick]

Very sorry you had those bad experiences. 40 or so years ago.

Thank you. One gets over those experiences for the most part. But they did affect me for decades. Alcoholism and the like.
All good now.

 

[oslooskar]

You need to have your broken nose fixed. I had mine fixed more than 30 years ago and it wasn't a big deal. Here is some info I got from AI.

" Keep nasal passages clear: If you’re congested a lot, talk to your doctor about allergies or try gentle saline rinses.
Practice conscious nasal breathing: During the day, remind yourself to close your mouth and breathe through your nose.
Try mouth taping (with caution): Some people use special gentle tape at night to help keep the mouth closed — but only if you can breathe freely through your nose.
Address sleep apnea if you have it: If snoring or apnea is an issue, talk to a doctor about a CPAP or other treatments.
Stay hydrated: A dry mouth can worsen mouth breathing.
See a dentist or ENT: If nasal blockage, dental bite, or jaw structure is an issue, they can help with more specific solutions.

The most important thing is not to panic — small changes can help, and it’s never too late to make a difference. "

 

[Michael Z]

I know if sleep on my back with face straight up, I breath through my mouth, and then get a very dry mouth. I have learned to tilt my head to avoid this.

 

[Bretrick]

You need to have your broken nose fixed. I had mine fixed more than 30 years ago and it wasn't a big deal. Here is some info I got from AI.

" Keep nasal passages clear: If you’re congested a lot, talk to your doctor about allergies or try gentle saline rinses.
Practice conscious nasal breathing: During the day, remind yourself to close your mouth and breathe through your nose.
Try mouth taping (with caution): Some people use special gentle tape at night to help keep the mouth closed — but only if you can breathe freely through your nose.
Address sleep apnea if you have it: If snoring or apnea is an issue, talk to a doctor about a CPAP or other treatments.
Stay hydrated: A dry mouth can worsen mouth breathing.
See a dentist or ENT: If nasal blockage, dental bite, or jaw structure is an issue, they can help with more specific solutions.

The most important thing is not to panic — small changes can help, and it’s never too late to make a difference. "

I look at it this way, having lived with it most of my life what is a few more years?
I doubt I will make it past 75 as it is so no harm done.

 

[Disgustedman]

I know if sleep on my back with face straight up, I breath through my mouth, and then get a very dry mouth. I have learned to tilt my head to avoid this.

That's why I have a (homemade) neck cushion. Tilts head backward, no problems.

 

[oslooskar]

I look at it this way, having lived with it most of my life what is a few more years?
I doubt I will make it past 75 as it is so no harm done.

Well, either way, you might want to learn how to use Alkalol nasal wash to keep your sinuses clean.

 

[officerripley]

I've never been able to breathe through my nose very well, so about a year ago I had a septoplasy--which cost $100,000; thank goodness for med insurance--and it didn't do a thing to help, still breathing through my mouth most of the time. Now I read that septoplasties don't usually much help people with allergies because the allergies cause nasal passages to swell and surgery can't fix that. YMMV, though.

 

[Judycat]

I started using those nasal strips, glue em just below my nose bridge, and find I sleep better. Had my septum straightened years ago but it didn't help me much either.