I'm reading that sleeping with your mouth opened promoted decay!
Is it true?
Since braced I now sleep with my lips slightly opened (woke myself up snoring!!!)
Anyways, I know that they are dry as all and this makes for decay.
Correct?
Ok to sleep with mouth partly opened? Decay?
Moderator: bbsadmin
I don't think so.
Certainly, you can get dry mouth - as a nocturnal mouth breather of some longstanding, I know this to be true.
I had several fillings done in my teens, but have had no new ones since then. I put this down to a combination of fluoride in the water and following a rigorous oral hygiene routine over the last 20 plus years.
My OH on the other hand - not a mouth breather - has a filling in just about every tooth and a few restorations to boot.
I wouldn't worry about it if I were you.
Certainly, you can get dry mouth - as a nocturnal mouth breather of some longstanding, I know this to be true.
I had several fillings done in my teens, but have had no new ones since then. I put this down to a combination of fluoride in the water and following a rigorous oral hygiene routine over the last 20 plus years.
My OH on the other hand - not a mouth breather - has a filling in just about every tooth and a few restorations to boot.
I wouldn't worry about it if I were you.
I would recommend trying Biotene dry mouth gel before bed at night. I sleep with my mouth open because of sinus problems and it has only been worse with the braces. And...ugh!...sleeping with the mouth open also promotes bad breath. I thickly spread the gel on the front of my teeth before bed and it really helps!
Re: Ok to sleep with mouth partly opened? Decay?
One of the functions of saliva is to act as a lubricant of the oral cavity and help wash away bacteria that can accumulate on your teeth (especially Strep Mutans). Anytime you have a condition that promotes Xerostomia you increase your risk for decay. That being said, Xerostomia is very different when caused by medications vs. naturally. I would venture to say that you are only at a slightly higher carries risk assuming you are well moistened during the day and would not worry about it. If you are concerned and want a little extra protection then a rinse with Crest Oral Health or other OTC mouthrinse that coats your teeth with either CPC or Chlorohexidine can offer a bit of protection. Or a moisturizing rinse such as Oasis, Biotene, or some BreathRX flavors may help.I'm reading that sleeping with your mouth opened promoted decay!
Is it true?
Since braced I now sleep with my lips slightly opened (woke myself up snoring!!!)
Anyways, I know that they are dry as all and this makes for decay.
Correct?
Good Luck,
Rory
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- Posts: 33
- Joined: Tue Dec 05, 2006 3:31 pm
- Location: Oregon
I tend to sleep with my mouth open too now that I have braces. My dentist told me that keeping your teeth "moist" helps to prevent cavities. She gave me a flouride rinse to use while I'm in braces. I personally don't know whether this is true or not, just relaying the info.
Damon 3s. On 2/15/2006. Off 2/21/2007!
Essix on uppers, Hawley on lowers.
Essix on uppers, Hawley on lowers.