Dry Mouth While Sleeping: Causes and Prevention

Do you frequently wake up with a dry mouth? Not only is this issue uncomfortable, but it can also put your oral health in danger. Without enough saliva, you are at a greater risk of cavities and gum disease! What might cause your mouth to dry out while you are asleep, and how can you prevent this troublesome issue? Continue reading below to find out.

Causes of Dry Mouth During Sleep

When you fall asleep, your body naturally decreases its saliva production. However, an extremely dry mouth while sleeping is a big problem that may be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Dehydration
• Age
• Certain medications
• Mouth breathing
• Smoking
• Overconsumption of alcohol
• Cancer treatment
• Poor nutrition
• Pregnancy

How Can Dry Mouth Be Prevented?

The best way to prevent a dry mouth while sleeping depends on what is causing the problem. Here are some suggestions that might help:

• Sip on plenty of water throughout the day.
• Talk to your primary care provider about any prescription medications that are causing your dry mouth.
• Quit smoking.
• Do not overindulge in alcohol. Be sure to drink water whenever you consume an alcoholic beverage.
• Eat a balanced, nutritious diet.
• If you have nasal congestion that causes mouth breathing, use nasal dilators or an appropriate medication to promote proper airflow through your nose.
• Use mouthwash that is designed to prevent dry mouth.

When Should You See a Dentist?

You should visit Dr. Thomas if you have been struggling with a dry mouth for an extended period of time, and you are concerned that it may be affecting your dental health. She can examine your mouth for signs of oral health problems. She can also help you determine the cause of your dry mouth and recommend a way to minimize or eliminate the problem.

She might advise you to do something relatively simple, such as adjust your diet and increase your water intake. She can also prescribe special mouthwash to help with saliva production.

However, in some cases, more extensive intervention is necessary. If you are a chronic mouth-breather at night, there is a real possibility that you have an anatomical issue that is contributing to the problem. You could even have sleep apnea! Dr. Thomas may recommend a treatment to improve your airway health so you can avoid a dry mouth and enjoy higher-quality sleep.

An extremely dry mouth can spell trouble for your oral health! Take appropriate action to address this issue and safeguard your overall wellness.

Meet Dr. Thomas

Dr. Preetha Thomas is an experienced holistic dentist who proudly serves the Southlake community. She is focused on supporting the overall wellness of her patients, and she favors gentle, conservative care whenever possible. If you are struggling with a dry mouth or other oral health concerns, she and our team would be pleased to assist you. Contact Enclave Dental at 817-912-1218.