Nola Reporter

• Chronic sinusitis affects 28.9 million American adults, or 11% of the adult population. 
• Although nasal breathing is generally recommended, as many as 60% of adults frequently breathe through their mouths.
• Bad breath is one of many symptoms that can come with chronic sinusitis.

There are many symptoms associated with chronic sinusitis; among them is bad breath, which often occurs due to mouth breathing. According to Dr. Gregory Pippin of ENT & Allergy of New Orleans, sinus issues are directly related to oral health issues, including bad breath. 

"Not breathing through your nose can exacerbate existing decay in your dental structures," Dr. Pippen told the Nola Reporter. "It can also cause malocclusion issues. So all of these things can contribute to that problem with oral health. Oftentimes people will think their bad breath is because of their teeth and not because of their sinuses."

People who suffer from chronic sinus problems are more likely to breathe through their mouths, which can lead to oral health issues including bad breath, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Mouth breathing disrupts the regular flow of saliva, which typically plays a role in keeping your mouth clean.

Symptoms of sinusitis include yellow or green drainage from your nose, pressure and pain in your face, a stuffy nose, bad breath, coughing up mucus, especially at night, and sometimes fever and chills, according to Merck Manual.

According to NHS Inform, individuals experiencing symptoms lasting for over one week are advised to consult a physician. An Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist may suggest using a saline solution, over-the-counter medication, or prescribe antibiotics or a corticosteroid spray. If these treatments fail to alleviate the symptoms of sinusitis, the ENT specialist may also advise sinus surgery.

Mouth breathing dries up saliva, which can allow bacteria and plaque to build up on the teeth, which can cause cavities, gum disease, and chronic bad breath, according to the McCarl Dental Group. Regularly breathing through the mouth can also lead to strained jaw joints, snoring, sleep apnea, enlarged tonsils, and a higher risk for airway disorders, such as asthma.

Dr. Gregory Pippin is certified as both an otolaryngologist and a facial plastic surgeon, as noted on ENT and Allergy of New Orleans' website. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, and continued his medical education at the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans. He subsequently completed a comprehensive residency program covering otolaryngology/head and neck surgery, facial plastic surgery, and reconstructive surgery at Virginia Commonwealth University's Medical College of Virginia in Richmond.