Why does a dying person's mouth stay open?
A dying person's mouth may stay open because the face and jaw muscles relax as the body becomes weaker.
A dying person's mouth may stay open because the face and jaw muscles relax as the body becomes weaker. This can happen before death or after death. It can look confronting, but by itself it does not mean the person is in pain.
It may also happen because the person is breathing through their mouth, is very sleepy, has a dry mouth, or no longer has the strength to keep the jaw closed.
General information: This page gives general information for people in Australia. It cannot tell you exactly what is happening in one person's situation. If you have concerns about a symptom, medicine, treatment decision or change in someone's condition, contact their doctor, palliative care team, nurse or other treating health professional.
Why the jaw relaxes
Near death, muscles lose tone. The person may no longer swallow often, speak, cough strongly or control their face in the usual way. The lower jaw can drop open, especially when the person is deeply asleep or unconscious.
Jaw movement with breathing can also happen when breathing is weak or irregular. If each breath looks like effort, ask the care team to assess comfort.
Dry mouth is common
An open mouth can become very dry. Dryness may be uncomfortable even when the person is not fully awake. Lips may crack. The tongue may look dry or coated.
Mouth care can help. Ask the nurse or palliative care team what is safest. They may suggest moistening the mouth with swabs, using lip balm, cleaning dentures, or offering tiny sips only if the person is awake and can swallow safely.
Do not pour water into the mouth of someone who is drowsy or unable to swallow. Fluid can go into the airway.
Should you try to close the mouth?
While the person is still alive, do not force the mouth closed. It may make breathing harder or cause discomfort. You can ask staff whether a small change in pillow position, side-lying position or mouth care would help.
After death, the mouth may remain open because the jaw has relaxed. A nurse, doctor or funeral director can guide you about what can be done if this worries you.
When it may mean distress
An open mouth alone is usually not a sign of suffering. Look at the whole person. Signs that may need review include grimacing, moaning, panic, tense muscles, gasping with distress, blue lips with distress, restlessness, or pulling away when touched.
If the person seems comfortable, calm mouth breathing can be part of dying.
What you can do
You can:
- keep the room calm
- speak gently before touching the person
- give mouth care as advised
- use lip balm if suitable
- ask about safe positioning
- ask whether dentures should stay in or be removed
- tell the team if the person seems distressed.
Small acts of care can make the person look and feel more comfortable.
When to get help now
Contact the care team if the person seems short of breath, frightened, in pain, choking, unable to clear fluid, or has a sudden change that worries you.
Call 000 if breathing difficulty is sudden and unexpected in someone not expected to be dying, or if there is no end-of-life plan and you need emergency help.
You may also want to read
- Why does a dying person's jaw move with each breath?
- How do I do mouth care for someone who is dying?
- Can someone who is unconscious still hear me?
- How can I tell if someone is dying?