Gum problems caused by sleeping with opened mouth

Gum problems are among the most annoying diseases because the resulting pain is as severe as a toothache. Gum problems caused by sleeping with an open mouth are common among many people. Gum swelling and problems have several causes, which are stated below.

Cause of gum problems from sleeping with open mouth

There are many reasons for gum diseases, the most common of which is sleeping with an open mouth. Sleeping with a closed mouth is usually difficult in people with adenoiditis obliging them to sleep with an open mouth at night, which is generally associated with snoring. People who sleep with open mouth breathe through their mouth, resulting in gum dryness, leading to infection and bleeding of the gum. As a result, the gums become dry and sensitive and swell and bleed with the slightest damage.

Gum problems due to sleeping with an open mouth can also be attributed to nasal deviation and allergies. However, those who sleep with an open mouth do not know the extent of their gums’ problems. The cause of sleeping with an open mouth can be determined and then treated after examination by a dentist. Prevention is always better than treatment.

The habit of sleeping with an open mouth

If people who sleep with an open mouth are asked about this problem, they will answer that this is a habit; this means that they are unaware of their illness and deny their problem.

As mentioned above, sleeping with an open mouth has different causes. Other reasons are upper gastrointestinal problems and asthma; the latter is associated with difficult breathing, which should be treated under a specialist’s supervision.

Therefore, patients who sleep with an open mouth should be examined by an otolaryngologist before the development of gum disease.

Studies show that sleeping with an open mouth is more frequent in men than in women. About a third of men sleep with an open mouth, while only 5% of women sleep with an open mouth.

Nasal polyps and nasal deviation

Nasal polyps and nasal deviation are the other causes of sleeping with an open mouth. These problems cannot be detected by the patient and can be identified by an X-ray or an otolaryngologist.

Nasal polyps are the result of excess tissue in the nose due to allergies. If left untreated, severe allergies can lead to nasal polyps.

Nasal congestion is the most acute symptom of nasal polyps. It always occurs on the same side of deviation in people with nasal deviation and leads to sleeping with an open mouth. Gum problems due to sleeping with an open mouth are the next prevalent problem because there was already no other illness to cause sleeping with an open mouth.

Gum problems caused by sleeping with opened mouth FAQ

1-Why does the gums color change to red?

Gum discoloration may occur for many reasons, but infection and bacteria that enter the mouth are the most important causes.

2-Why does saliva decrease during sleeping with an open mouth?

In general, saliva secretion decreases during sleep, but air enters the mouth when it is open during sleeping and dries the mouth.

3-Why does sleeping with an open mouth result in cracked lips?

When the mouth is open, cold, dry air enters the lungs and dries the mouth resulting in cracked lips.

4-Why do people who sleep with an open mouth have bad breath?

In people who sleep with an open mouth, halitosis results from aerobic bacteria’s entry into the digestive system and mouth.

5-Why does sleeping with an open mouth cause tooth decay?

Saliva neutralizes acids and protects tooth enamel. When the mouth is open, saliva decreases, and the number of bacteria increases, causing tooth decay.