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Open Mouth Sleeping: Have you ever seen someone sleeping with their mouth open? Or have you ever found your throat dry, a strange bitterness in your mouth and bad breath as soon as you wake up in the morning? If the answer to these questions is yes, then be careful! This is not a joke, but it is your health bell that is ringing and you should listen to it right now.

 

Keeping your mouth open while sleeping is not a cute habit, but can be a slow spreading poison for your health. It not only ruins the quality of your sleep but also affects your teeth, throat, breathing and even the brain (Health Risks of Open Mouth Sleeping).

 

So if you are also one of those people whose mouth remains open inadvertently while sleeping, then definitely read this article till the end. Who knows, your health may also start changing after this

 

Why does the mouth remain open while sleeping?

Open mouth during sleep usually occurs due to two main reasons:

 

  • Difficulty in nasal breathing: When the nose is blocked or obstructed (such as due to cold, allergies or sinus problems), the body automatically starts breathing through the mouth.
  • Wrong sleeping habits: Sleeping on the stomach or back also sometimes promotes the habit of keeping the mouth open .

Disadvantages of sleeping with open mouth

Dehydration and dry mouth

Breathing through the mouth causes the saliva to dry up quickly, which causes dry mouth and bad breath. This causes frequent thirst and can also disrupt sleep.

 

Breathing problems

Mouth breathing is not a natural way to breathe. It reduces oxygen absorption, which means the body doesn't get enough oxygen and can lead to fatigue, lethargy, and lack of focus .

 

Damage to teeth and gums

When the amount of saliva decreases, bacterial growth increases. This can lead to cavities, swollen gums, and bad breath.

 

Decline in sleep quality

People who sleep with their mouths open often snore. This not only disturbs their sleep, but also that of those sleeping with them.

 

Effect on facial structure

In children, keeping the mouth open for a long time can affect the jaw and facial structure. This can make their face look long and narrow, which is called "Long Face Syndrome".

 

How do you know if you sleep with your mouth open?

  • Mouth feels dry as soon as you wake up in the morning
  • have a sore throat or pain
  • Bad breath
  • have a headache
  • Your partner should tell you if you keep your mouth open or snore at night

If any of these symptoms are felt daily, then one should be alert.

 

Easy ways to get rid of this habit

Keep your nose clean

Clean your nose before going to sleep. Take steam or do nasal cleaning with salt water so that the nose remains open.

 

sleep in the right position

It is best to sleep on the side. This makes it easier to breathe through the nose and the mouth does not remain open.

 

Use a humidifier

If the air in the room is dry, use a humidifier. This keeps the nose and throat moist.

 

mouth closing strips

Nowadays, such strips are available in the market which can be applied on the lips to keep the mouth closed. But before using them, definitely consult a doctor.

 

Consult a doctor

If the problem persists, consult an ENT specialist or sleep specialist. Sometimes it can be a sign of a serious condition like sleep apnea.


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