Sleeping with your mouth open can significantly affect your health, as it often leads to proper nighttime breathing, which can cause various health issues.
Many people sleep with their mouth open. Well, as per experts, it isn’t considered healthy as it indicates improper breathing at night which can lead to various health problems. Mouth breathing is closely associated with sleep apena, a condition that can lead to serious health complications, including high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease if left untreated.
Symptoms
Breathing through the mouth all the time, including when you’re sleeping can lead to health problems. In adults, it can cause dry mouth, sore throat, bad breath, morning headaches and brain fog. These symptoms suggest reduced sleep quality, leaving individuals feeling exhausted. In children, mouth breathing can cause crooked teeth, facial deformities, or poor growth. It can also worsen symptoms of other illnesses.
Causes
The underlying cause of most cases of mouth breathing is poor nasal airway. The airway may narrow or become blocked, making mouth breathing difficult due to lack of oxygen intake. Thus, nasal congestion can force individuals to breathe through their mouths.
Treatment
- Treatment for mouth breathing depends on the cause. Medications can treat nasal congestion due to colds and allergies.
- CPAP Machines: These machines maintain airway pressure, preventing the tounge and throat issues from collapsing.
- Mouth Taping: This method keeps the lips sealed, preventing mouth breathing.
- Orthodontics: Braces and aligners can reposition the jaw and teeth, improving airflow.
- Myofunctional Therapy: Physical therapy for throat muscles helps keep the airway open.
Mouth breathing can lead to significant oral health issuesSleeping with your mouth open can significantly affect your health, as it often leads to proper nighttime breathing, which can cause various health issues. . Those with gum diseases, tooth enamel, gummy smile, crowded teeth, allergies or obesity are at higher risk. Recognising these factors can help in seeking timely intervention from airway teeth specialists.