LA Harbor News

• Chronic sinusitis affects 28.9 million American adults, or 11% of the adult population.
• Chronic sinusitis can cause bad breath and mouth breathing, among other symptoms.
• Balloon sinuplasty is a safe and minimally invasive procedure utilized by surgeons to address chronic sinusitis.

One of the more unpleasant symptoms of sinusitis is bad breath, which can occur due to congestion and mouth breathing. According to Dr. Farhad Sigari of Del Rey MD, mouth breathing can cause a litany of problems, including bad breath. 

“Mouth breathing not only dries out the oral cavity and its tissues but also exposes them to the adverse effects of oral bacteria, ultimately leading to chronic problems,” Dr. Sigari told the LA Harbor News. “In addition to these concerns, mouth breathing can also result in bad breath and a sore throat upon waking. All of these factors collectively underscore the substantial impact mouth breathing can have on oral health.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, physical symptoms of chronic sinusitis can include nasal inflammation, a runny nose, postnasal drainage, congestion, pain or swelling in the face, headaches, loss of smell and taste, a sore throat, bad breath, or fatigue.

People who suffer from allergies or chronic sinus problems are more likely to breathe through their mouths, which can lead to oral health issues, according to McCarl Dental Group. Mouth breathing dries up saliva, allowing bacteria and plaque to build up on the teeth, which can cause cavities, gum disease, and chronic bad breath. Regularly breathing through the mouth can also, over time, lead to strained jaw joints, snoring, sleep apnea, enlarged tonsils, and a higher risk for airway disorders, including asthma.

According to Cleveland Clinic, breathing through the mouth disrupts the regular flow of saliva, which typically plays a role in keeping your mouth clean. Dry mouth, pillow drooling and malocclusion also can occur from mouth breathing.

People experiencing symptoms of sinusitis lasting for more than a week are advised to seek a physician. An ENT specialist might recommend a saline solution or over-the-counter medication, and if those don't help symptoms improve, they might prescribe antibiotics, a corticosteroid spray or even recommend sinus surgery, according to NHS inform.

According to Del Rey MD's website, Dr. Farhad Sigari earned his bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering from the University of California, San Diego, where he researched heart disease. He then attended Chicago Medical School, obtaining degrees in medicine, applied physiology, and pathology, and receiving accolades such as the Dean's Award and the Alpha Omega Alpha Award. Dr. Sigari completed his surgical internship, specializing in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery, at the University of Chicago Hospital.