Keep Waking up with a Dry Mouth? Learn What Happens to Your Mouth During Sleep

Morning breath is very real, and most of us wake up feeling our breath isn’t as fresh as we’d like, but the situation is easily resolved by brushing our teeth thoroughly. However, if you wake up with a mouth that feels drier than you’d expect, you could have a condition called dry mouth or xerostomia. Dry mouth is a very common condition, but it can feel very uncomfortable and affect your sleep.

How Can I Tell If I Have Dry Mouth?

When you visit Margolian Dentistry, we can assess your oral health and check for any symptoms, including a rough tongue, sores in the mouth or mouth infections, and dry, cracked lips. Another symptom is bad breath in Oshawa.

Our dentist may also ask how your mouth feels when you eat because saliva plays an essential role in moistening food so you can chew it thoroughly and swallow it more easily. People with xerostomia can have difficulty chewing or swallowing food comfortably, especially when they try to eat something particularly dry. Other symptoms of xerostomia include waking up feeling thirsty during the night. People who wear dentures may find they are more uncomfortable to wear.

It is important to get xerostomia properly diagnosed because it can increase the chances of developing tooth decay. Your teeth may begin to demineralize more easily and could feel more sensitive than normal. Your gums may start to look inflamed.

What Causes Dry Mouth?

Sometimes dry mouth is as simple as dehydration and can be cured by increasing your water consumption so you can produce saliva more easily. Other times it may be due to medical conditions like diabetes. Dry mouth is often a side-effect of medications. These include decongestants, some asthma medicines, antihistamines, antidepressants, diuretics, or muscle relaxants. Xerostomia is also a side effect of certain medical treatments, particularly head and neck radiation.

Some illnesses can cause dry mouth, including Sjogren syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes and hepatitis C. Older adults are more likely to develop dry mouth, but this could be because they are more likely to take medications that can cause this condition.

What to Do If You Have Dry Mouth at Night?

If you have a dry mouth at night in Whitby, there are several things you can do to help your mouth feel more comfortable and reduce the risk of dental disease. These include drinking plenty of water, and it can be useful to keep a glass of water beside your bed at night. If you like to use mouthwash after brushing and flossing at night, make sure it is alcohol-free. Mouthwash containing alcohol can dry out your mouth. Using artificial saliva can help relieve dry mouth, and we can provide information about which brands will work best or prescribe artificial saliva.

Another option is to try using a humidifier in your bedroom to prevent the air from becoming too dry. If you snore or have sleep apnea in Ajax, it’s worth getting a proper diagnosis and treatment. One possible solution for mild or moderate sleep apnea is a night splint custom designed to hold your airway open so you can breathe through your nose more easily.

If you take medications that list dry mouth as a side effect, talk to your GP. They may be able to prescribe a different medicine or adjust the dosage to help reduce this effect. Please note you should always talk to them first and should never stop taking any medication or change the dosage without taking medical advice.

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