Can You Breathe Through Your Mouth With a Dental Dam?
By Dr. Eastwood – Summerbrook Dental & Implants, Fort Worth, TX
Many patients ask me, “Can you breathe through your mouth with a dental dam?” The short answer is yes—you can still breathe, but it will mostly be through your nose.
A dental dam is a thin sheet that covers your mouth during certain dental treatments, like fillings, root canals, or crown work. It helps keep the tooth we are working on clean and dry, and it also protects you from swallowing any debris. While the dental dam does cover much of your mouth, it does not block your airway.
Most patients breathe comfortably through their nose the entire time. If you normally breathe through your mouth, it may feel different at first, but you will still get enough air. If you have a stuffy nose or trouble breathing through your nose, you should tell your dentist before the procedure. We can adjust the setup or take breaks as needed.
At Summerbrook Dental & Implants, I make sure my patients feel safe and comfortable while using a dental dam. We explain how it works before we start and give you a way to signal if you need to pause. Most people find that after a few minutes, they hardly notice it’s there.
Some people worry about feeling trapped, but remember—a dental dam is there to protect you and make the treatment go smoother. It can even make the appointment faster because I don’t have to stop as often to clear your mouth.
If you’re nervous about using a dental dam, we will walk you through the process and help you feel at ease. Our office is no-judgment and focused on giving you the best care possible.