Why is it necessary to close the mouth of a deceased person?
It is a common practice across many cultures and religions to close the mouth of a deceased person soon after death. Here are some of the main reasons this is done:
- To give a more peaceful appearance – Having the mouth open can make the deceased look distressed or like they died in pain. Closing the mouth gives a more serene and composed look.
- Prevent leakage of bodily fluids – After death, the muscles relax and bodily fluids can leak from the mouth. Keeping it closed prevents messy cleanup and protects the dignity of the deceased.
- Symbolic meaning – In many cultures, an open mouth represents a departing soul and closing it is seen as confining the spirit to the body.
- Slow decomposition – An open mouth speeds up decomposition of the face and entry of insects and vermin.
Overall, closing the mouth is done to give a more dignified appearance to the deceased, contain bodily fluids, and slow decomposition. It brings a sense of closure and peace to the end of life.
How to close the mouth of a deceased person
Here are some common techniques used to close the mouth of someone who has passed away:
Using bandages or gauze
This involves using strips of clean bandages or gauze to bind the mouth closed. The bandage can be wrapped under the chin and over the head to keep the mouth from opening. Padding may be placed inside the mouth to help it retain shape. This is a simple and inexpensive method.
Suturing
A needle and suturing thread can be used to sew the mouth closed. The sutures draw the lips together and hold them in place. This is more effective than bandages but requires some medical training to be done properly. Cosmetic sutures can create a neat closure.
Mouth former
Special devices called mouth formers are made to hold the mouth in a natural position. They fit inside the mouth over the tongue and have small hooks that grab the lips. Mouth formers work better than bandages and don’t require suturing skills.
Dental wax
Heated dental wax can be applied directly to the lips to seal them together. As it cools, it solidifies into a bond that keeps the mouth from opening. Dental wax provides a tight closure but can be difficult to apply properly.
Glue
In some cases, medical-grade skin glue or superglue is used to glue the lips closed. This provides a quick and solid hold as the glue dries. It must be carefully applied to avoid gluing the mouth interior.
Who should close the mouth of the deceased?
Ideally, a trained mortuary professional should close and set the features of the deceased. However, if the death occurred at home, here are some guidelines on who may take on this task:
– Family members or close friends can close the mouth as a last gesture of care and love.
– Hospice nurses who were caring for the dying person may help with post-death rituals.
– The person who discovers the body could do it prior to calling authorities.
– Emergency responders may close the mouth if needed for transportation.
Many find comfort in personally closing the mouth of their loved one right after death. It can provide a sense of finality and that one last thing was done for them.
What to do if the mouth keeps opening?
Sometimes the mouth of a deceased person keeps falling back open, making it difficult to keep closed. Here are tips for dealing with this issue:
– Place padding or gauze inside the mouth to prop it open and anchor it shut. Cotton, cloth, or a mouth former may help.
– Use additional bandages or sutures to ensure a tight closure. Wrap bandages around the head for stability.
– Apply superglue or dental wax to seal the lips with an adhesive bond. Reapply if needed.
– Position the head with chin tilted down to use gravity to keep the mouth closed.
– Inject mortuary putty or clay around the mouth to hold it in place. This is done by a funeral director.
– Suture the gums or jaws together for a permanent closure. Also done professionally.
Getting the mouth to stay closed can be difficult as muscles relax. Using adhesive solutions, gravity, and reinforcing bandages can help overcome this issue. Professional methods like suturing, wires, or mouth props may be required.
What to do if the jaw is fixed open?
If the deceased’s mouth is stuck open in a fixed position due to rigor mortis, there are ways funeral professionals can get it closed:
– Massage and loosen the muscles of the face, neck, and jaw. As rigor passes, the mouth can be maneuvered.
– Break the rigid jaw using a mouth opener tool. Forcibly opening it will allow it to be repositioned.
– Wire the jaw shut with thin wires threaded through the top and bottom rear teeth. Twist together to close.
– Insert a mouth former to prop the mouth in the right position as rigor wears off.
– Glue or suture the lips together even though teeth remain spaced apart.
– Wait 24-48 hours until rigor mortis subsides to close it naturally. Keep cool to prevent decay.
– Inject superglue or epoxy resin between upper and lower teeth to seal them together.
A fixed open mouth can be challenging but skillful funeral directors have techniques to make the deceased look peaceful even under these conditions. It may require procedures during embalming to unlock the jaws.
Conclusion
Closing the mouth of someone who has passed away is a symbolic and practical act performed across many cultures. Simple methods like bandages and sutures can be used right after death to give a peaceful appearance. Professionals have more options to deal with difficulties like fixed jaws and mouths that keep opening. With some effort and techniques, the mouth can be secured to honor the deceased. Though just a small part of funeral arrangements, it’s one final way to show care for someone in death.