What Is Mouth Breathing? Many health professionals believe we are designed to breathe through our noses from birth. During “normal” breathing, the abdomen gently expands and contracts with each exhalation and inhalation. There is no effort required—breath is regular, silent and most importantly, through the nose. This allows the nasal passages to moisten and warm the air an individual needs to take in. However, some people breathe in and out mainly through their mouth—known as mouth breathing.