Experiencing a dry mouth at night is a very common occurrence that can be caused by a number of different factors. Excessive snoring, tobacco use, and consuming too much caffeine often lead to dry mouth symptoms. In addition, many over-the-counter and prescription medications can cause a person to get a dry mouth at night. A lack of saliva can result in several annoying and unhealthy symptoms, such as bad breath, a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, sores, infections, and tooth decay. Many people can find relief from dry mouth by avoiding certain medications and making simple changes to their lifestyles and eating habits.
Snoring is a leading cause of experiencing dry mouth at night. Individuals who snore breathe through their mouths during the night, which dries up saliva and often disrupts sleeping patterns. To relieve dry mouth symptoms, people are usually encouraged to prevent the causes of their snoring. Individuals can try to lose weight, sleep on their sides, and practice breathing through their noses. Anti-snoring aids such as nasal strips and mouthpieces are often effective at preventing snoring and the development of dry mouth at night.
Cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and unhealthy foods diminish saliva production, resulting in dry mouth and related symptoms, such as a lack of taste, bad breath, tooth decay, and mouth sores. Alcohol and caffeinated beverages can have similar effects on individuals. People are usually able to find relief from their symptoms by eliminating tobacco and alcohol use, cutting back on caffeine and sugary foods, and drinking plenty of water, especially before bedtime. Many health professionals suggest individuals chew sugar-free gum before going to bed to encourage the production of saliva.
Medications of many different types can decrease saliva as a side effect. A person who takes prescription or over-the-counter medication for high blood pressure, depression, or allergies is at an especially high risk of developing a dry mouth at night. Some patients who take drugs for cancer or undergo chemotherapy procedures develop lingering dry mouth symptoms. An individuals who believes he or she is experiencing dry mouth symptoms as a result of medication or treatment should consult his or her doctor, who can help find alternative treatments or prescribe drugs that stimulate saliva production.
Left untreated, chronic dry mouth can pose several different health risks. Individuals with dry mouths are at an increased risk of developing significant tooth problems, tongue disorders, and throat disease. By enacting home remedies and following the advice of doctors, people are usually able to restore healthy saliva levels and sleep soundly through the night.