Sore Throat? Solutions for Mouth-Breathing at Night

When you wake up, you take a swallow, and your throat burns. It’s dry and uncomfortable. If you have a partner, they may have complained about your snoring. It’s clear you’ve been mouth-breathing at night. 

You understand your problem, but what can you do about it? 

You may be surprised that our ENT doctors in Raleigh can also help with mouth breathing at night, as well as sleep apnea and other disorders. We will tailor a plan that will help ensure you won’t wake up to a sore throat every day. Scheduling an appointment is easy. 

In this article, we’ll discuss how we’ll treat your mouth-breathing issue, as well as outline some of the potential long-term problems that can develop.

How to Stop Mouth Breathing at Night: Our Solutions

First, let’s look at some home remedies you can try. You might find it useful to:

• Use a saline spray to moisten your nasal passages.
• Reduce congestion by using a humidifier. 
• Open your nasal passages by using nasal strips—this can also help prevent snoring.
• Try to sleep on your side.
•  Use wedge pillows to keep you from sleeping on your back; this is when you’re most likely to mouth-breathe.

However, depending upon the scope of your problem, these methods may only bring mixed success. In that case, it’s time to schedule an appointment with our leading otolaryngologists in Raleigh. We’ll help you find something that is both safe and effective. 

For example, we might recommend:

CPAP Machines

CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. This machine delivers oxygen to keep your airways open. It’s vital to speak with your doctor, because there are a variety of CPAP machines available, and we want to be sure you select the one that is right for you. 

You can learn more about these medical devices from our earlier article: “A Beginner’s Guide to CPAP Machines.”

Surgical Procedures

If the cause of your problem is infected tonsils or enlarged adenoids, then surgical removal may be an option. Don’t worry, we’ll only consider surgery if more conservative methods have failed. However, if the issue lies with your tonsils and/or adenoids, their removal may be the only key to long-term relief. 

A deviated septum can also be the source of mouth breathing at night. Again, this issue may need to be resolved with a simple procedure. 

What Causes Mouth Breathing?

We’ve already mentioned issues with your septum, tonsils and adenoids, but there are other causes of mouth breathing at night. Nasal blockages from allergies and colds are also a possible cause.

Is Mouth Breathing at Night Bad? 

If you frequently breathe through your mouth at night, it’s going to affect your long-term health. We’ve listed a few ways below:

You Could Develop Tooth Decay

Your saliva acts as a defense, protecting your teeth from bacteria. If you breathe through your mouth at night, it becomes dry. Over time, this can set the stage for tooth decay. 

In younger people, mouth breathing also creates an orthodontic issue. It may narrow the dental arch, limiting space for adult teeth.

You Lack Energy

You may also notice that you don’t have as much energy as you used to. This is because when you breathe through your mouth, your body gets less oxygen. Remember that quality sleep is vital. If your child is breathing through their mouth, you may notice that they struggle to pay attention in school. They may also be drowsy. 

Your Facial Structure Changes

You read that right. Over a long period of time, mouth breathing can actually alter facial development. 

You Lack Air Filtration

Did you realize that your nose also acts as a filter? It filters out harmful elements and even allergens from the air you breathe. When you’re breathing through your mouth, you’re bypassing that benefit. 

For Relief From Sore Throats, Schedule an Appointment With Our Leading Raleigh ENTs

We treat sore throats—regardless of whether they’re the result of mouth-breathing, allergies, or tonsillitis. We recognize that every case is different, and that’s why we’re dedicated to providing the compassionate, individualized attention that you need and deserve. 

Ask us about our many in-office procedures that are not only more convenient but also more economical. You don’t have to put up with pain and discomfort. Schedule an appointment with us today.

The content within this article and others on this website is only for educational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. For any questions or concerns, please consult with your healthcare provider.