Have you ever woken up having a cottonmouth? If yes, then you understand how uncomfortable it is. Overcoming this sticky sensation may take time; however, people tend to overlook it, mainly when they know the cause.
What if you notice a dry mouth, and you don’t know the cause? Let’s discuss the causes of dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, during the night and its treatments.
Oral Health Impact
A dry mouth during the night might not signal a medical emergency; however, you should not take it lightly. People experiencing dry mouth are uncomfortable and are at a higher risk of having oral conditions, such as mouth infection, tooth decay, and gum disease. Also, dry mouth may complicate the wearing of dentures.
Irregular dry mouth that one can explain is usually not a source of concern. However, it might be an underlying health condition, such as Sjogren’s Syndrome or diabetes.
Dry Mouth Symptoms
People tend to experience dry mouth in various ways; this is due to unique causes. Dry mouth condition symptoms include:
- Recurrent thirst
- Tongue tingling, redness, burning, or dryness
- Dry feeling in your throat
- Sores around and in your lips and mouth
- Hoarseness, dry nasal passages, sore throat
- A sticky mouth or dry feeling
Causes of Dry Mouth at Night
Dry mouth while sleeping may be due to several situations or conditions. It is possible to experience it due to viruses, infections, or not taking enough fluids. However, pay attention when dry mouth happens and try to figure out its cause.
- Certain medicines may cause dry mouth
- Some autoimmune conditions, such as Sjogren’s syndrome, can impact your body’s ability to produce bodily fluids, like saliva and tears.
- Mouth breathing also causes dry mouth as the airflow dries your mouth out
- Dehydration is one of the common causes of dry mouth while sleeping, resulting from blood loss, excessive sweating, and illness.
- Neck and head nerve damage due to surgery or injury may affect your salivary glands resulting in a dry mouth.
- Sleep Apnea can cause dry mouth
- Smoking causes dry mouth while sleeping
- Allergies and infections can result to a dry mouth
Dry Mouth while sleeping Treatment
Can you do away with a dry mouth at night? The solution will depend on the cause of your dry mouth. For instance, if the cause results from medication, you require to see your doctor, who might switch or adjust your dose.
1. Natural Remedies and Home Treatment for Dry Mouth
The fact that you are asleep makes dry mouth overnight treatment seem impossible; however, you can use the following steps before you sleep.
- Maintain a good oral hygiene routine
- Avoid the use of tobacco
- Avoid breathing through your mouth
- Take a lot of water during the day
- Limit alcohol and caffeine intake as they result in dry mouth
- You can increase air moisture in your bedroom by installing a humidifier
2. Medicinal Treatment for Dry Mouth
Your doctor may recommend a special rinse used in preserving mouth moisture. Additionally, your specialist might prescribe medicines that foster saliva production. It is also good to note that if the cause results from an underlying health condition, it’s essential to treat it.
When to visit a Dentist for Dry Mouth?
Although dry mouth should not cause immediate worries, some cases require professional intervention. Generally, it is possible to address it with a doctor or dentist during regular check-ups. Nevertheless, make sure you contact an experienced dentist in case of situations like:
- Discomfort or pain
- A dry mouth affecting your sleep quality
- More teeth cavities without a known cause
Are you having a dry mouth while sleeping? Contact our dental office near Spring and Cypress, Texas.