Dear Patients,

“A man who limits his interests, limits his life.”– Vincent Price

There are two absolutes in the world of orthodontics. The first being that improper swallowing I.E. Tongue thrust, will lead to orthodontic instability. The second and equally improper absolute is that one must breathe nasally in order to have systemic health and orthodontic stability. The inability to nasally respire can lead to maxiofacial skeletal malformations, Thus for correct development of the upper and lower jaw, it is imperative that a child habitually breathes through the nose with their tongue resting in the roof of the mouth.

There are a number of exercises that help people unblock their nose. My favorite one is :

1. Take a small, silent breath in and out through your nose.
2. Pinch your nose to hold your breath
3. Walk as many paces as possible, with your breath held. Count the paces.
4. When you resume breathing, do so only through your nose. Try to calm your breathing
5. When resuming your breathing, your first breath will be bigger than normal, however try to resume calm breathing within the next two breaths.
6. Wait a minute or two before repeating
7. Repeat this five to ten times until your nose is decongested.

If you or someone you love has swallowing or nasal breathing issues, please contact my office, for a complimentary consultation.

Sincerely,

Michael W. Dagostino, DDS