How to Prevent Dry Mouth While Sleeping

Experiencing dry mouth at night is more common than you might think. This condition, also known as xerostomia, can disrupt your sleep, lead to bad breath, and even cause more serious oral health issues if left unaddressed. The root cause of dry mouth is often a decrease in saliva production, which can occur for various reasons ranging from dehydration to certain medications or health conditions.

But don’t worry—preventing dry mouth symptoms is easier than you might imagine. Here are three simple steps that can make a significant difference.

3 Steps to Prevent Dry Mouth at Night

1. 1. Stay Hydrated

1. 1. Modify Your Bedtime Routine

1. 1. Use a Humidifier

Symptoms of Dry Mouth

Common symptoms of dry mouth include:

• • sticky feeling in your mouth

• • stringy saliva

• • sore or scratchy throat

• • dry tongue

• • mouth sores

• • dry nose

• • bad taste in your mouth

What Causes Extremely Dry Mouth While Sleeping?

Dry mouth during sleep can be caused by a variety of factors:

• • Prescription Medications: Many types of medications can cause dry mouth, including those for cancer treatment, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, allergies, common colds (antihistamines and decongestants), obesity, acne, epilepsy, hypertension, and some types of painkillers.

• • Age: Aging itself isn’t a cause of dry mouth, but older people are more likely to be taking medications—like blood pressure medications and other prescription drugs—that can cause dry mouth. Changes in the body’s ability to process medication as we age can affect salivary glands function.

• • Mouth Breathing or Snoring: Breathing through your mouth during sleep can make dry mouth worse.

• • Dehydration: Dehydration is one of the most common causes of dry mouth. When your body doesn’t have enough fluid, it may reduce salivary flow.

• • Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions can cause dry mouth, including obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes, stroke, yeast infection (thrush) in your mouth, Alzheimer’s disease, autoimmune diseases like Sjogren’s syndrome or HIV/AIDS, and Parkinson’s disease.

• • Radiation Therapy: Radiation treatments to the head and neck can damage the salivary glands, resulting in dry mouth.

• • Certain Foods and Beverages: Certain foods and drinks, such as acidic foods, spicy foods, and caffeinated drinks, can temporarily cause mouth dryness. 

• • Lifestyle Choices: Consuming alcoholic beverages, tobacco use, or recreational drug use can lead to dry mouth.

• • Anxiety and Stress: Stress and anxiety can cause a lack of saliva production, leading to a feeling of dry mouth.

• • General Discomfort: Dry mouth can cause general discomfort, a sore throat, dry nasal passages, and even hoarseness or voice changes.

Risks and Complications of Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is more than just an uncomfortable condition; it can also pose significant risks to your oral and overall health. Here are some of the potential dangers associated with dry mouth.

• • Tooth Decay: Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by washing away food particles, neutralizing acids produced by bacteria, and providing disease-fighting substances. When saliva production decreases, it can lead to an increased risk of cavities and tooth decay.

• • Gum Disease: Reduced saliva can increase the risk of gum disease (also known as periodontal disease). When you don’t produce enough saliva, bacteria can multiply, leading to infections and potentially causing gum disease.

• • Mouth Infections: One particular fungal infection, oral thrush, is more common in people with dry mouth. Oral thrush occurs when a yeast infection develops on the inside of your mouth.

• • Bad Breath: Dry mouth can cause bad breath (halitosis). Without enough saliva to wash away food particles and control bacteria, your mouth can develop an unpleasant odor.

• • Difficulty Swallowing and Speaking: Dry mouth can make it difficult to chew and swallow food. It can also affect your speech and taste sensation, causing discomfort and potentially affecting nutrition and communication.

• • Impact on Dentures: For those who wear dentures, dry mouth can affect the fit and comfort of these dental appliances, making it harder for them to stay in place.

Effective Strategies to Prevent Dry Mouth

There are several things you can do to prevent dry mouth and reduce the symptoms. Here are three tips for reducing dry mouth symptoms at night. 

1. Maintain Hydration Throughout the Day

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help combat dry mouth at night. When your body is properly hydrated, it has an easier time producing the saliva necessary to keep your mouth moist.

Keep a bottle of water handy and take sips throughout the day, and aim to drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water per day.

2. Adjust Your Nighttime Routine

Adding a few simple changes to your bedtime routine can also make a world of difference. Avoid eating spicy or salty foods close to bedtime as these can increase thirst and contribute to dry mouth.

Another culprit that people often overlook is mouth breathing. Mouth breathing can dry out your oral cavity, so if you’re a mouth breather, consider discussing options with your doctor or dentist to help reduce nighttime mouth breathing.

Lastly, brushing and flossing your teeth just before bed will not only promote oral health, but the act of brushing stimulates saliva production, which can help keep your mouth moist throughout the night and reduce your risk for tooth decay. 

3. Utilize a Humidifier During Sleep

A bedroom humidifier can be a game-changer for dry mouth sufferers. These devices work by adding moisture to the air, creating a more humid environment that can help keep your mouth and throat moist.

Having a humidifier on while you sleep, especially during the winter when indoor air can be extremely dry, can help alleviate dry mouth. Just be sure to clean it regularly to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria.

Additional Strategies to Relieve Dry Mouth

You can try these additional tips, too:

• • chew sugar-free gum during the day to increase saliva flow

• • if you use mouthwash, choose an alcohol-free mouthwash

• • reduce caffeine consumption

• • keep a glass of water by your bed at night

Struggling With Dry Mouth? Tolley Dental Can Help!

Dry mouth at night can be a nuisance, but it doesn’t have to be. By staying hydrated, adjusting your bedtime routine, and possibly adding a humidifier to your environment, you can make significant strides toward a more comfortable, refreshing night’s sleep. If you’re still struggling with dry mouth, contact us to speak with a dental professional about reducing your dry mouth symptoms.