It’s not uncommon to have dry mouth at night, but when it becomes a regular thing, it could signal other problems. Some people naturally have dry mouth due to genetic factors. Others have dry mouth from medications or medical conditions. The problem is that dry mouth can affect the health of your teeth and gums.
Beavers & Broomfield Family Dentistry can help you manage dry mouth and the issues that arise from it, including gum disease, accelerated tooth decay, and bad breath. The best way to prevent these is to address your dry mouth.
What causes dry mouth, and when should you see a dentist about it?
What Happens in Your Mouth as You Sleep
Like the rest of you, your salivary glands rest and recuperate when you sleep. They reduce production, leaving your mouth vulnerable to bacteria that grow there overnight. That bacteria can attack your teeth and cause bad breath.
Saliva washes away bacteria from your teeth during the day. It also remineralizes your enamel by interacting with the fluoride in your water and toothpaste. It also neutralizes acids from your foods, preventing them from damaging your teeth and gums.
The drier your mouth at night, the more vulnerable it is to bacteria and acids. Brushing your teeth before bed removes many of the bacteria and acid that attack your teeth and gums overnight. Brushing in the morning removes the rest.
What Causes Dry Mouth?
Occasional dry mouth is usually caused by dehydration, where your body does not get enough liquid. The most common early signs of dehydration are thirst and dark-colored urine. More moderate dehydration can also cause nausea, tiredness, dizziness, and disorientation.
It’s important to hydrate right away if these symptoms occur, using plain water or an electrolyte-containing drink. Other drinks, such as sodas, tea, or coffee, can contain caffeine, which can further dehydrate you.
Dry mouth can also be caused by certain medications, cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, and medical conditions including diabetes, stroke, sleep apnea, and other illnesses or chronic conditions. It has also been associated with anemia in some patients.
If you experience chronic dry mouth, speak to your doctor about your symptoms, especially if you suspect it may be related to a medication or underlying medical condition. There may be ways to alleviate them, but any changes to medication or treatment should always be guided by your physician.
Why Is My Mouth Dry When I Wake Up?
“Why is my mouth dry when I wake up?” There could be several reasons why your mouth is dry when you wake. If you sleep with your mouth open or snore, it can dry your mouth out quickly. People with allergies or breathing issues may sleep with their mouths open and not realize it.
Because you don’t hydrate overnight, you may wake up dehydrated. If this happens frequently, it might be a good idea to keep a glass of water by your bed at night.
Medications can also dry out your mouth. Cold medicines, allergy medicines, blood-pressure medications, or even medications to help you sleep can dry out your mouth. If the medications are not temporary, talk to your doctor about alternatives that may not include dry mouth as a side effect.
When Dry Mouth at Night Becomes a Problem
Open-mouth breathing can cause several problems, including dry mouth. It can also indicate other issues, such as sinus problems, sleep apnea, or a deviated septum, that may require evaluation and treatment by a physician.
Dry mouth can also lead to accelerated tooth decay or gum disease. Those who already suffer from these conditions may be at greater risk with chronic dry mouth. Those who already have thin enamel, crowns, rebuilt teeth, or gum disease are at the greatest risk.
What Can Fix Nighttime Dry Mouth?
Addressing the root cause is the best way to fix nighttime dry mouth. Nasal strips or allergy medication can help open the nasal passages and prevent open-mouth breathing, which quickly dries out the mouth.
Using a cool-mist humidifier in the bedroom can also help prevent you from drying out overnight. It’s also important to stay well hydrated during the day so you don’t have to drink a lot of water at night, which could wake you in the middle of the night and disrupt your sleep.
Rinsing with a non-alcoholic mouthwash or rinse before bed may also help your dry mouth.
Myofunctional therapy may also help you breathe better, which may improve your dry mouth. Beavers & Broomfield Family Dentistry offers myofunctional therapy services. Talk to us if you feel your dry mouth at night is caused by breathing issues.
FAQs About Dry Mouth
Why is my mouth dry when I wake up?
Is waking with a dry mouth a sign of sleep apnea?
Is there a major difference between daytime dry mouth and nighttime dry mouth?
Dry Mouth Treatment in Fayetteville, AR
Dry mouth can accelerate tooth decay and gum disease and may indicate underlying conditions that need diagnosis, such as sleep apnea or other chronic conditions. If you have chronic dry mouth, schedule an appointment with Beavers & Broomfield Family Dentistry. We’re here to help you find relief.
