There are a lot of people who suffer from open mouth; they sleep with their mouths open. It is not so easy to say who has an open mouth unless you see the person sleeping. There are many reasons that are attributed to this disorder.
Position of sleep
The position in which one sleeps contributes to having an open mouth. People who sleep facing upwards are more likely to have their mouths open when asleep. Also, the level to which the head is raised also counts. Those who sleep with their heads raised with a pillow have little problems with open mouth. People who do not support their heads with pillows when sleeping are likely to have open mouth.
Weight of body
Body weight of a person also contributes to having an open mouth. Larger people with large body weight are known to leave their mouths open while they sleep. The reason is attributed to the fact that, when they sleep, their heavy weight rests on the part of the body that is downward and that the weight blocks parts of the respiratory tracts and so the nostrils are not able to breathe in enough air to support their oxygen needs. The mouth is thus opened to support the nostrils by bringing in more air.
Respiratory infections
Infections of the respiration system also dictate that a person opens the mouth whiles asleep. People with colds and flu produce mucus that blocks their nostrils and other parts of the respiratory tract. Such people find it difficult breathing from the nostrils and so breath through the mouth, leaving it open whiles asleep. Asthma patients also require more oxygen during their period of crisis and so leave their mouths open to gasp in more air.
Sleeping with an open mouth is not a good thing to do. While asleep, one can hardly tell what is going on or what is going in and out of their mouth. Some dental problems have been attributed to sleeping with an open mouth. Some people argue that, cavities can be caused by sleeping with an open mouth. The argument is that, if you sleep with an open mouth, you invite more germs into your mouth; germs that bore cavities into your teeth.
This is not entirely true. There may be some germs coming in into your mouth alright, but not more than already existing in the mouth. The mouth is filled with millions of different kinds of bacteria and fungi, irrespective of whether you leave it open whiles asleep or not. These bacteria are capable of causing cavities on their own. When you leave your mouth open whiles asleep, the mouth is rather aerated and preventing these bacteria from acting. The best way to prevent cavities is to practice good dental hygiene like brushing twice daily, rinsing the mouth after each meal and many more.
Many people see leaving the mouth open whiles sleeping as an embarrassment but the truth is that people have genuine reasons for doing that. Opening the mouth whiles sleeping in no way causes cavities.
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