Are You Hurting Your Teeth When You Sleep with Your Mouth Open?
Posted on 7/1/2025 by Brush & Floss Office
Many of us have heard about the importance of brushing and flossing our teeth to prevent cavities and gum disease. But did you know that the way you sleep can also affect your oral health? Sleeping with your mouth open, also known as mouth breathing, can have several negative consequences for your teeth.
How Mouth Breathing Affects Your Teeth
When you breathe through your mouth while sleeping, the air bypasses your nose and dries out your mouth. This dryness can lead to a buildup of bacteria, which can cause several problems, including:
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Tooth decay: Bacteria thrive in a dry environment and can easily attack the enamel of your teeth, leading to cavities.
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Gum disease: The dry mouth caused by mouth breathing can also irritate the gums, making them more susceptible to infection and inflammation.
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Bad breath: The bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease can also produce foul-smelling gases, leading to bad breath.
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Tooth sensitivity: Dryness can also cause your teeth to become more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, as well as sweet and acidic foods and drinks.
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Pain: In severe cases, mouth breathing can even lead to pain in the jaw and face.
What Causes Mouth Breathing?
Several factors can cause mouth breathing during sleep, including:
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Nasal congestion: Allergies, colds, and sinus infections can all block the nasal passages, making it difficult to breathe through the nose.
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Deviated septum: This is a condition where the cartilage that divides the nostrils is crooked, making it difficult to breathe through one or both nostrils.
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Enlarged tonsils or adenoids: These are two small, soft tissues located at the back of the throat that can become enlarged and block the airway.
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Obesity: Extra weight can put pressure on the airway, making it difficult to breathe through the nose.
How to Prevent Mouth Breathing
If you frequently wake up with a dry mouth or have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it's important to see your dentist or doctor to determine the cause of your mouth breathing. They may recommend treatments such as allergy medications, nasal steroids, or surgery to correct a deviated septum or enlarged tonsils.
In addition to seeking medical treatment, there are a few things you can do at home to prevent mouth breathing:
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Try sleeping on your side or stomach: This can help keep your mouth closed while you sleep.
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Use a humidifier: A humidifier can add moisture to the air and help prevent your mouth from drying out.
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Practice breathing exercises: There are several breathing exercises that can help train your body to breathe through your nose.
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Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed: These substances can dehydrate you and make it more likely that you will breathe through your mouth while you sleep.
Conclusion
Sleeping with your mouth open can have several negative consequences for your oral health. If you suspect you are a mouth breather, it's important to see your dentist or doctor to determine the cause and get the appropriate treatment. By taking steps to prevent mouth breathing, you can protect your teeth and gums and keep your smile healthy and bright.
Dentist Stratford, CT | Brush & Floss Dental Center At Brush & Floss Dental Center, we want our patients to maintain healthy, bright, and beautiful smiles! Call us today to schedule an appointment! Brush & Floss Dental Center, 4949 Main Street Stratford, CT 06614; (203) 683-5253; stratfordctdentist.com; 7/12/2025; Associated Words: dentist Stratford CT;
