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What are the causes of dry mouth?

8 Common Causes of a Dry Mouth While Sleeping

Posted by On 17-06-2022

If you find you wake up with a dry mouth and sore throat, you might be suffering from dry mouth. As many as 23% of Canadians suffer from sleep-related dry mouth which can cause you to wake feeling thirsty and in need of a glass of water. This can occur for a number of reasons. Unfortunately, it can also contribute to poor oral health if you don’t do something about it.

Also known as xerostomia, a dry mouth can cause issues because you aren’t producing enough saliva to help clear away debris and promote remineralization of your tooth enamel.

Symptoms of dry mouth include:

  • Dryness
  • A sticky feeling in your mouth
  • Thick saliva
  • Stringy saliva
  • Bad breath
  • Difficulty chewing, speaking and swallowing
  • Hoarseness
  • Dry or sore throat
  • Dry tongue
  • Tongue grooves
  • Unpleasant taste or changes to the taste of food
  • A bad taste in your mouth
  • Increased discomfort when wearing dentures

Here we look at eight common causes of dry mouth while sleeping with some tips to help improve saliva production.

1. Taking medications

Antidepressants, high blood pressure medications, antihistamines, decongestants, muscle relaxants, beta-blockers, anti-hypertensives, diuretics and pain medications can all cause dry mouth. Ask your pharmacist about your regular prescription and over-the-counter medications to find out if they can be causing dry mouth.

2. Ageing

As we age, we increase the risk of dry mouth for several reasons. For the most part, however, it is because we tend to require more medications or might suffer from health conditions that cause dry mouth.

3. Chemotherapy

If you are undergoing chemotherapy, it can create thick saliva caused by damaged salivary glands.

4. Radiation treatment

Radiation to the head, neck or mouth can affect the salivary glands which disrupt proper saliva production.

5. Damage to the neck or head

As above, damage to these areas can cause damage to the glands and in turn, reduce saliva production.

6. Health conditions

Health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, thrush, Alzheimer's disease and autoimmune diseases can also interfere with saliva production.

7. Snoring and mouth breathing at night

When you snore or breathe through your mouth at night, the air dries out your mouth and throat.

8. Use of some substances

Tobacco, alcohol and recreational drug use such as methamphetamine, marijuana and even caffeine can all cause dry mouth.

How to Stop Dry Mouth at Night

A dry mouth is not only uncomfortable but can also lead to embarrassing bad breath. You can help avoid dry mouth using the following tips:

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Choose a fluoride toothpaste
  • Use dry mouth oral rinse
  • Use dry mouth moisturizing spray
  • Avoid spicy and acidic foods before bed
  • Quit smoking
  • Limit alcohol intake
  • Avoid recreational drug use

If dry mouth persists, we can identify the cause and recommend changes to your oral health regime to keep you more comfortable.

Why You Should Avoid Dry Mouth

While some people decide to live with a dry mouth, it really isn’t a good idea. If left untreated, it can lead to complications including:

  • Increased plaque, tooth decay and gum disease
  • Mouth sores
  • Yeast infection of the mouth
  • Sores in or around the mouth
  • Split skin at the corners of the mouth
  • Cracked lips
  • Poor nutrition due to difficulty chewing and swallowing

While it might seem dry mouth is more of an inconvenience than a serious health condition, it really can lead to issues it is best to avoid. Make sure to see a dentist regularly to avoid any serious oral health issues.

For more information about chronic dry mouth when sleeping, call Milltown Dental at 905-878-8528 or contact us here.

Updated For 2022

28 Comments

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28 Comments

  • Posted on 06-11-2024 by Nancy Pidgeon

    What is the best treatment for nightly dry mouth?

  • Posted on 14-08-2024 by Ingrid Kokshoorn

    I try to drink 300ml in a day and night do not eat much no tez some nighs no lunch only a half sandwich not hungry lost 76kgs not by choice!!

  • Posted on 13-08-2024 by NELSON

    is someone taking bp tablets at the age of 76 likely to have dry mouth and what is the best remedy to use?

  • Posted on 04-08-2024 by Mary

    It drys just within a minute

  • Posted on 09-07-2024 by Oliver Motlakase

    What causes dry mouth at night leading to pain at the tip of the tongue

  • Posted on 09-06-2024 by Rafaela Garcia

    What kind of doctor do you use for
    Dry mouth

  • Posted on 30-05-2024 by Leonard Mulenga

    I’m having mouth dryness for 6years now this problem started after cancer treatment head and neck. So what medication should I use?

  • Posted on 21-05-2024 by Jack Barnabas

    Thank you for this updates so any future updates or remedies discuss refer to dry mouth condition

  • Posted on 02-05-2024 by elena

    For anyone reading this and dealing with erectile dysfunction, I want to emphasize the importance of seeking professional advice. It’s not always easy to discuss, but there’s no shame in reaching out to a healthcare provider. Your well-being mardana kamzori ka nusksha is the top priority

  • Posted on 24-03-2024 by Jubindzaba

    Why dry mouth expecially when sleeping

  • Posted on 04-03-2024 by Bionaze

    Thank you for giving us an idea what’s the cause of dry mouth. Now I have an idea, and it is better to consult with an expert.

  • Posted on 24-02-2024 by Titilayo Adeyemi

    Hi.

    I have been noticing dryness in my mouth and throat whenever I wake up since few days ago.And I am not finding it easy anymore. Please I would be happy if there is anyway you could help.

    Best regards.

    Titilayo

  • Posted on 16-02-2024 by Amna

    I appreciate the practical tips provided for managing sore throats, coughs, and other common issues. Thank you for providing such valuable insights and practical advice for anyone dealing with throat issues.
    Sharbat Toot Siah

  • Posted on 24-01-2024 by Хасан

    Устата ми суха по цял ден, но най вече през нощта, ползвам дъвка ден и нощ за да имам скункс.
    Моля за съвет

  • Posted on 03-10-2023 by Mark Van Horne

    You left off a major reason. Loose valve at the top of the stomach. I’ve had two Nissan funduplications but the valve keeps stretching open. What a useless article

  • Posted on 07-09-2023 by Lottie Masanduka

    I always wake up to a dry mouth and dry throat,and I always found My mouth open. please help me

  • Posted on 14-07-2023 by Bongo Sepeng

    My mouth gets dry at night. I always wake up to adry dry mouth and dry throat. Please help

  • Posted on 11-06-2023 by Teowaimutu kaka

    Why is me mouth so dry what I s best drinks to drink and what best food to eat

  • Posted on 22-05-2023 by Robert Chambers

    Why is fluoride on its own a hazmat material but in tooth paste it is ok?

  • Posted on 20-05-2023 by Sabelo Ngcobo

    Thanks for sharing this information it helps a lot and I also found that I have oral issue with dry mouth

  • Posted on 11-04-2023 by Abner Abanes

    very helpful, and stop my worrying . thanks

  • Posted on 06-12-2022 by Von Dresco

    This is a very interesting and helpful blog that also explained the important or dental health. I’ve read also a related topic on this at https://verodentalspa.com/.

  • Posted on 31-08-2022 by smith patterson

    Keep a glass of water at night next to your bed in case you wake up at night and your mouth is dry. Monitor your caffeine intake and, if necessary, reduce your caffeine consumption. Caffeine can make dry mouth worse.

  • Posted on 15-06-2022 by Patricia McWilliams

    I am an 86 yr old female. I have been getting dry mouth while sleeping nightly. . Recently
    My neck has been cracking when bending my head which I thought was from my position of neck while on my iPad. I do have arthritis in my fingers. Very worried. I also have been on Apixiban,,blood thinner, Eltroxin and a statin drug for some time., Bisoprolol as well.

  • Posted on 12-05-2022 by Smith

    Xerostomia or dry mouth occurs due to a lack of saliva production. Dry mouth can cause difficulties eating, speaking, and digesting. If you experience severe dry mouth, it can cause throat disorders, anxiety and affect your quality of life. That’s why we offer dry mouth treatment in McKenzie Towne to help you get back to feeling your best.

  • Posted on 03-05-2022 by Martha

    When ever I sleep I found my tongue dry weather at night or during the day

  • Posted on 20-02-2022 by Amitabha Bandyopadhyay

    I am having dry mouth during sleep.I am 78 years old male.Kindly suggest remedies