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Are you always feeling your mouth dry and uncomfortable when waking up in the morning? Do you want to drink water as soon as you get up? Do you find you have a bad taste in your mouth once you wake up? If your answer to these questions is yes, it’s necessary for you to identify the underlying causes of why you wake up with a dry mouth and find some solutions. This article is going to provide you with several treatments for dry mouth.
What Is Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, refers to a health condition that occurs when you don’t make enough saliva in your mouth. Due to the lack of saliva in a dry mouth, bacteria could easily take hold and cause cavities and gum disease.
A dry mouth may result in symptoms such as:
- Sore throat
- Dry tongue
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty speaking
- A bad taste in the mouth
- Hoarseness
- Bad breath
What Causes Dry Mouth When You Wake Up?
The reasons for dry mouth when waking up could be categorized into the following 6 aspects.
1. Mouth breathing
Your dry mouth may be intricately linked to your sleep habits, particularly if you find yourself waking up with a parched sensation. Two common sleep-related behaviors that significantly contribute to this issue are sleeping with your mouth open and snoring. When individuals sleep with their mouths open, it often leads to increased evaporation of saliva. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health as it helps to cleanse the mouth, neutralize acids, and prevent bacterial growth. However, when mouth breathing occurs during sleep, the airflow can be more pronounced, causing a rapid evaporation of saliva and leaving the oral cavity dry.
2. Medications
Dry mouth is a prevalent side effect associated with the use of various medications, including commonly prescribed drugs like those for blood pressure management and anti-anxiety medications. The pharmacological compounds in these medications can interfere with the normal functioning of salivary glands, leading to a reduced production of saliva. This decrease in saliva flow is a key contributor to the sensation of dry mouth.
3. Diseases
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease, can contribute to the development of dry mouth. In individuals with diabetes, persistent high blood sugar levels can lead to increased urine production, potentially causing dehydration and subsequent dry mouth. Stroke survivors may experience difficulties with swallowing and altered salivary gland function, leading to reduced saliva production. Alzheimer’s disease, with its complex neurological impact, can also influence the body’s ability to regulate hydration levels, contributing to dry mouth.
4. Tobacco and alcohol
Consuming alcohol can exacerbate dry mouth as it possesses acidic properties, contributing to dehydration and potential dental issues. The acidity in alcoholic beverages can further compromise oral health, making individuals more susceptible to conditions like tooth decay. Additionally, tobacco use can alter the rate of salivary flow, diminishing the natural protective effects of saliva and impacting overall oral health.
5. Cancer therapy
The damage to the neck or head brought about by radiation treatment, surgery or injury could also be one reason for your dry mouth. In this case, your salivary glands are damaged, leading to long-term dry mouth.
6. Aging
Aging people tend to experience dry mouth more frequently. Some research has shown that 30 percent of adults over 65 years old and nearly 40 percent of adults over age 80 years may have this condition.
Treatments
Here are some treatments for alleviating dry mouth.
1. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water in waking hours
2. Avoid eating any spicy or acidic food before bed
3. Reduce your caffeine consumption
4. Limit alcohol intake
5. Quit smoking
6. Use a humidifier in your room at night to keep moisture in the air
7. Stop taking the medicine that may cause dry mouth. You could ask your pharmacist about it.
There are many reasons why you wake up with a dry mouth. Your lifestyle, sleeping habits, and health condition may become the underlying causes. The above suggestions are for reference only. If your dry mouth becomes severe, you must consult your doctor. They could provide you the most reliable treatment.
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