Ok to sleep with mouth partly opened? Decay?

[Kat]

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?

[lionfish]

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.

[lisaemtp]

I've never heard that before...I hope its not true, as I've been trying to intentionally sleep with my mouth open recently because I've been clenching so badly! Any of the orthos on the board have an opinion?

Lisa

[Ronsie]

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!

[rsprouse]

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?

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.

Good Luck,
Rory

[SherwoodForest]

Hmm...I didn't know Biotene made a dry mouth gel. Is that just the toothpaste, or something else? I've been using the toothpaste and mouthwash, and I still have dry mouth. But I sleep with my mouth open, so mouthwash and toothpaste won't help much.

[JoeMama]

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.