Doctor warns common habit is 'reshaping your face'

Young woman taking inhale through her mouth
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images/Science Photo Libra)


An experienced doctor is warning people that a very common habit may actually be reshaping their faces. Educator, speaker and podcaster Dr Mark Hyman regularly shares medical tips and tricks with his millions of social media followers.

In a new update on Thursday, Dr Hyman said: "Did you know that mouth breathing can change the shape of your face and impact your overall health?

"Breathing through your nose helps filter out harmful pathogens, improves oxygen intake, and supports healthy craniofacial development. Mouth breathing, on the other hand, can lead to recessed chins, droopy eyes, and even higher risks of sleep apnoea and infections.

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"Luckily you can reverse these effects at any age! Start by practising nasal breathing, incorporating tougher foods into your diet, and even taping your mouth at night to train proper breathing habits." Text on graphics contained within the Instagram post further explain that mouth breathing also gives you less oxygen than breathing through your nose.

Dr Hyman suggests people tape their mouths before sleep to encourage nasal breathing "which may improve sleep quality". He also recommends people chew their food more, so as to stimulate jaw development, and to practise nasal breathing during exercise and rest.

He added: "Your breath shapes your health, your sleep, and even your face."