However, if you sleep with your mouth open, then the saliva you create is being dried out.
This can increase your chances of developing tooth decay, and it can even increase your likeliness of developing gum disease. Instead of putting your oral health at risk, you may want to try sleeping with your mouth closed.
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Different Options to Help You Keep Your Mouth Closed at Night
Some people try sleeping on their stomachs with their bottom jaw resting on the pillow to help keep the mouth closed at night. This can help if you do not move around much at night, but if you are restless, this isn't going to do you much good.
Others have tried taping their mouths shut with a loose fitting medical tape. While uncomfortable, it is effective, but it can disturb your sleep, and because it is loose fitting, it can slide off and leave you still breathing through your mouth.
You can also try a chin strap which goes around the back of your head and holds your bottom jaw closed. It allows you to sleep in any position and not worry that your mouth could fall open. However, some find this very uncomfortable to get used to.
Finally, you can talk to your dentist about a sleeping appliance that helps to keep your mouth lined up properly when you sleep. It doesn't keep your mouth shut, but it does seal off your mouth so that your oral tissues stay moist.
For more information on the dangers of open-mouth breathing, or to help get treatment, contact our office today!