I promise, this is last follow up

1) Is mouth breathing a bad thing to do, regardless of weight?

2) Can one be obese, be a mouth breather, have dry mouth, but NOT have sleep apnea?

3) WHY does mouth breathing cause dry mouth for the REST OF THE DAY? I can understand why it would cause dry mouth in the morning, but why the rest of the day?

4) I said my dry mouth has almost gone away entirely, but yesterday, all day, was like a relapse or something, it was really bad. It literally feels like the glands under my tongue/in my throat are swollen or blocked

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) Mouth breathing does increase the risk and severity of gingivitis.  There are a good proportion of people who mouth breathe.

2) Can't say based on those facts alone.  Of course, anything is possible.  The only way to be sure is via a sleep study.

3) Tough to say.  Certainly any type of chronic sinus symptoms or allergies can lead to mouth breathing throughout the day, leading to dry mouth throughout the day.  Also a wide variety of medications can also lead to dry mouth.  

4) Another consideration would be a rheumatological disease known as Sjorgen's syndrome - which can also lead to chronic dry mouth.  You may want to consider a rheumatology referral if this is suspected by your personal physician.

5) I would probably say he knows more than me at this point, since he has examined you, and I haven't.  

6) I cannot comment on how urgent you need to see a physician without actually examining you.  

7) A variety of ENT issues - such as a deviated septum, chronic sinusitis, or allergies, can prevent you from breathing through your nose.  A referral to an ENT specialist is advisable to evaluate this.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
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