What is the Buteyko Breathing Method, and how can it Help Me?

breathingSCOTTS VALLEY, SANTA CRUZ CA

Breathing through your nose is fundamental for good overall health and wellness. But, it may come as a surprise that 80% of the population breathes incorrectly. The Buteyko Breathing Method is a non-pharmaceutical approach to removing the negative effects of over breathing. A few of the many symptoms of over-breathing include shortness of breath, irritable bowel syndrome, rhinitis, hay fever, anxiety, stress, and panic attacks, as well as poor sleep, insomnia, snoring, and obstructive sleep apnea. So, to help you understand more about the Buteyko Breathing Method, our Scotts Valley airway dentists at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry explain more details about the treatment and how it could help you.

What is myofunctional therapy?

In a nutshell, myofunctional therapy is a type of oral physical therapy that consists of a series of simple, painless exercises that work the musculature of the mouth and tongue. This method, when supervised by a qualified myofunctional therapist in Los Gatos, is effective for correcting the tongue and facial muscle functions when at rest and when swallowing. The correct tongue resting position and swallowing pattern are both critical to overall oral health and development. When a person swallows incorrectly, it can lead to a variety of health issues, especially when you consider that the average person swallows 600 to 1,000 times per day. Mouth breathing can occur as a result of improper mouth and tongue resting positions, which can have serious health consequences.

Why is breathing through my mouth bad for my health?

Mouth breathing, in addition to being a less efficient way for the body to absorb oxygen, can cause a slew of problems for children and adults throughout their lives, leading to more serious problems as they age. Chronic mouth breathing changes the shape and hinders the growth of the orofacial system like the mouth, jaws, and face. Mouth breathing might result in crooked teeth, facial deformities, and stunted growth. Bad breath, gum disease, chronic fatigue, and snoring are all possible side effects. Our Santa Cruz myofunctional therapists explain that mouth breathing while sleeping can be a precursor to snoring and contribute to the development of a sleep breathing disorder, which interferes with sleep and results in exhaustion, irritability, and lack of concentration.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-breathing disorder that affects millions of Americans, including children and newborns. Sleep apnea also increases a person’s risk of developing serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, or high blood pressure. Sleep-breathing disorders in children can be a precursor to childhood obesity as well as present behavioral issues and ADHD symptoms.

How does myofunctional therapy impact my breathing?

Myofunctional therapy promotes the ability to breathe through the nose as opposed to the mouth by widening the airway. The treatment accomplishes this by achieving or regaining the ideal resting oral posture. This means that when you’re not eating or talking, your orofacial system is in the following position: your lips are closed, your teeth are lightly pressed together, and your tongue is gently resting against your upper palate. Our Scotts Valley myofunctional therapist explains that nose breathing is beneficial because it produces nitric oxide, an important gas that aids in artery dilation, stress reduction, and fighting against bacterial and viral infections. Buteyko breathing entails taking slower, shallower breaths to help the body produce more carbon dioxide, which aids in oxygen absorption and can boost athletic performance. The air also contains more nitric oxide, which kills bacteria and promotes airway, arteries, and capillary dilation.

Myofunctional Treatment in Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, and Scotts Valley, California

The Buteyko breathing method can deliver lifelong positive breathing habits that boost your health and wellness while maximizing the benefits during exercise. Through myofunctional treatment at our Scotts Valley dental office that offers the Buteyko Breathing Method, you can naturally change your breathing pattern and improve your body’s function. Contact Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry at (831) 438-4411 or request an appointment online today to find out more about how breathing incorrectly can impact your oral and overall health condition.