It’s not uncommon for people to breathe through their mouth at night, but it can have several surprising consequences to their oral health. In addition to causing snoring, dry mouth, and bad breath, it can also increase the amount of plaque that builds up on the teeth. In this blog, you’ll find out how mouth breathing contributes to plaque levels and how you can counteract it to keep your smile as healthy as possible!
How Does Mouth Breathing Increase Plaque Buildup?
You probably aren’t aware of it, but saliva actually washes away plaque and bacteria before it can accumulate on your teeth. With mouth breathing, you lose this natural cleansing effect because your mouth becomes very dry.
Also, since plaque is acidic, mouth breathing also increases your risk of cavities. When your mouth is dry, the acids from plaque can easily damage your enamel, much like acid rain damages marble and stone.
In fact, researchers have found evidence that acid levels were much higher in people who slept with their mouths open, putting them at greater risk for cavities.
How Can You Protect Your Oral Health From the Effects of Mouth Breathing?
Since mouth breathing occurs when you’re asleep, you can’t simply decide to stop doing it! However, you can minimize its effect on your oral health by doing the following:
- Do well with your oral hygiene habits – If you breathe through your mouth at night, it’s even more important than usual to thoroughly brush and floss to remove plaque before you spend the next 8 hours sleeping. You may also consider tools to help such as an electric toothbrush, floss aids, or an oral irrigator.
- Schedule regular checkups – Seeing a dentist for regular checkups is important because they can find cavities when they’re small and easy to fix. They’ll also be able to give you specific oral hygiene tips for your unique needs.
- Use topical fluoride – Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens your enamel, much the way calcium strengthens your bones. It protects your teeth by counteracting the effects of plaque and acid in the mouth. You can either use a store-bought fluoride mouthwash or ask a dentist for a high-fluoride prescription toothpaste.
- Ask a dentist – Talk with your doctor or dentist to see if there’s a medical condition that needs to be addressed, such as enlarged tonsils, nasal congestion, or sleep apnea.
Mouth breathing negatively impacts your oral health, but you can use these tips and tricks to protect your smile!
About the Author
Dr. Allyson Kelly is a family dentist in Spring Hill who focuses on prevention to help her patients reduce the dental work they need as much as possible. That’s why she always educates people who breathe through their mouth about good oral hygiene habits to minimize the risks to their dental health. If you have any other questions about mouth breathing, she can be reached via her website.