You’ve probably heard this advice from your doctor, but have you ever wondered why experts think it’s so important? Here are a few reasons to shut your mouth and use your nostrils:
- Nose hair and mucus filters out dust and mold spores.
- The air takes longer to get to your lungs, so it warms up and is better humidified.
- Breathing through your mouth can dry out your throat and leave it feeling sore.
- Mouth breathing can actually lead to tooth wear and other dental problems.
Of course, sometimes you need to breathe through your mouth, like when you have a cold or your doing high-intensity exercise. That’s OK. But when you can, try to breathe through your nose.