Oral or nasal breathing; preferred breathing pattern for endodontics

Objective: The objective of study was to explore the relationship of breathing and pain during endodontic therapy. Materials and methods: 500 patients who presented in the department of operative dentistry were included in the study. Numeric pain scale was used to document the pain perceived during endodontic therapy. Results were analysed using SPSS version 23. Results: Among the 500 cases, 250 cases presented with mild pain, 158 presented with moderate pain while 92 presented with severe pain. 55.4% cases were of nasal breathers while 44.6% cases were of oral breathers. Conclusion: Patients presenting with nasal breathing pattern reported with mild pain perception during endodontic therapy when compared to patients who were oral breathers. Considering life style modifications like breathing patterns, body hydration and sleep impact the patient’s life and pain management during endodontic therapy. Educating patients on proper breathing and its benefits will have positive outcome on endodontic therapy. Keywords: Oral breathing, nasal breathing, pain perception, endodontics.