Atypical swallowing, or swallowing disorders, can affect people of all ages and can lead to a variety of complications if left untreated. There are several causes of atypical swallowing, including mouth breathing.
Mouth breathing occurs when a person breathes through their mouth instead of their nose. This can be caused by several factors, such as allergies, a deviated septum, or enlarged tonsils. Mouth breathing can affect the anatomy of the head and neck, which can lead to problems with swallowing correctly.
Atypical swallowing can also be caused by factors such as poor oral hygiene, neurological disorders, and structural abnormalities in the mouth and throat.
Symptoms of atypical swallowing can include difficulty swallowing, choking or coughing when eating or drinking, regurgitation, and feeling like food is stuck in the throat.
Treatment for atypical swallowing may involve speech therapy, oral exercises to strengthen the muscles used for swallowing, and modifications to the diet or eating habits. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct any underlying structural abnormalities.
In addition to the above treatments, addressing the underlying cause of atypical swallowing is essential. For example, if mouth breathing is the cause of atypical swallowing, then treating the mouth breathing is necessary to correct the swallowing disorder.
The relationship between atypical swallowing and mouth breathing highlights the importance of breathing through the nose. Mouth breathing can affect the anatomy of the head and neck, which can lead to problems with swallowing correctly. Treating the cause of mouth breathing, such as allergies or a deviated septum, can help to restore normal breathing patterns and reduce the risk of complications from atypical swallowing.
Consulting with a speech therapist, dentist, or orthodontist, as well as other healthcare professionals, may be necessary to correct underlying problems and help the patient regain proper and healthy swallowing.
While atypical swallowing can be a frustrating and concerning problem, there are treatment options available to help correct the issue and improve the patient’s quality of life. If you have concerns about atypical swallowing or mouth breathing, we recommend consulting with a qualified healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.