Do you sleep with your mouth open? Watch out for underlying problems

The primary cause of mouth breathing is poor airway health. The airway may narrow or become blocked, prompting mouth breathing to compensate for the lack of oxygen intake. (Image: Canva)

Sleeping with your mouth open can significantly affect your health, as it often indicates improper nighttime breathing, which can lead to various health problems. Chronic mouth breathing is closely associated with sleep apnea, a condition that can cause serious health complications, including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes if left untreated.

Symptoms of sleeping with mouth open

Adults with this habit commonly experience dry mouth, sore throat, poor oral health (including gum disease and tooth decay), bad breath, snoring, morning headaches, daytime sleepiness, and brain fog, said S.G.M Indira hospital pulmonologists Rakesh Goyal. These symptoms suggest reduced sleep quality, leaving individuals feeling exhausted despite a seemingly full night's sleep.

Children who sleep with their mouths open may face trouble concentrating, ADHD-like symptoms, slower growth, difficulty controlling emotions, excessive tiredness, and oral health problems. It's important to differentiate between mouth breathing and ADHD, as the former can mimic the latter’s symptoms.

Health implications of sleeping with mouth open

Mouth breathing can lead to significant oral and overall health issues. Saliva, essential for maintaining oral health by neutralising bacteria and repairing tooth enamel, dries up, increasing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and oral infections. Poor facial and jaw development in children, bad breath, and plaque accumulation are also common, says Goyal.

Additionally, nighttime mouth breathing can lead to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where the airway is blocked during sleep, often causing the tongue to fall back and restrict airflow. This can contribute to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, liver problems, depression, infertility, and cognitive impairments.

Causes of sleeping with open mouth 

The primary cause of mouth breathing is poor airway health. The airway may narrow or become blocked, prompting mouth breathing to compensate for the lack of oxygen intake. Nasal congestion, a deviated septum, polyps, and tumors in the nasal passages can also force individuals to breathe through their mouths.

Treatment for sleeping with mouth open

Addressing airway health is essential to stop mouth breathing. Several treatments can help, including

Oral appliances: Devices like the DNA appliance can reshape and widen the palate and airway.

CPAP machines: These machines maintain airway pressure, preventing the tongue and throat tissues from collapsing.

Orthodontics: Braces and aligners can reposition the jaw and teeth, improving airflow.

Mouth taping: This method keeps the lips sealed, preventing mouth breathing.

Myofunctional therapy: Physical therapy for mouth and throat muscles helps keep the airway open.

Tonsil/adenoid removal: Surgery can remove enlarged tissues that narrow the airway.

Nasal decongestants and antihistamines: These medications reduce nasal congestion, promoting nasal breathing.

Risk factors for nighttime mouth breathing

Individuals with a long, narrow face, high palate, gummy smile, crowded teeth, malocclusions, allergies, or obesity are at higher risk, says Goyal. Recognising these factors can help in seeking timely intervention from airway health specialists.

Benefits of nasal breathing

Nasal breathing offers numerous health benefits. It enhances the immune system by producing nitric oxide, which combats infections. The nose conditions the air by humidifying and warming it, making it gentler on the lungs. Nasal hair and cilia filter out dust and allergens, while nasal secretions contain antibodies that fight bacteria and viruses. For children, nasal breathing supports proper facial and airway development, preventing bite problems.