How to Cope with Dry Mouth at Nighttime
When you climb into bed, what you’re probably looking forward to is an uninterrupted night’s sleep. The last thing you want or need is to be woken up by a dry mouth. Anyone who has experienced this knows just how uncomfortable and irritating it can be. Making a few well-informed lifestyle changes could allow you to start sleeping through the night – and be happier in the morning.
Causes of a dry mouth at night
There are several things that can cause Dry Mouth, from medical conditions like diabetes to the medications you take to treat them. Luckily, there are things you can do to help manage it. But why else could this be happening?
Allergies can make your throat dry. You may have a mild allergy you’re unaware of. In bedrooms, dust is a common culprit, as are feathers from pillows or quilts. If you also have itchy eyes and throat, it could be worth asking your doctor about getting an allergy test to rule these out.
Cold or flu symptoms can also block your nose and force you to breathe through your mouth. Adults, if your nasal congestion doesn’t go away after 10 days, talk to your doctor as you may have a sinus issue that would require further investigation.
Sleep apnea can also disrupt your breathing at night and leave you with a dry mouth in the morning. You may not even be aware you suffer from sleep apnea, but if you snore then it’s more likely. If you find you’re also tired during the day, as though you haven’t slept well, talk to your doctor about investigating further.
Ways to overcome Dry Mouth at night
You should avoid caffeine and alcohol in the evening as they can dehydrate your mouth. Consult your healthcare provider for suggested dietary changes – include hydrating foods such as celery and cucumber, or foods with sauces to help keep the mouth lubricated. Smoking and chewing tobacco can also dry the mouth and should be avoided.
It might be worth investing in a humidifier, to increase air moisture in your bedroom, or purchasing nasal strips to wear across the bridge of your nose and encourage nose breathing. Make sure your oral hygiene is top notch but avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol as they can dry your mouth out. Also consider switching to Biotène Fresh Mint Toothpaste. In addition to being specially formulated for Dry Mouth sufferers to not irritate, it contains fluoride to strengthen the teeth and help protect against decay.
You can keep a glass of water on your nightstand, though frequent sipping may cause you to need the bathroom during the night. A better idea might be to use a dental gel or lubricant like Biotene Oralbalance Gel. Containing a mouth moisturizing formula that refreshes and moistens the mouth to help maintain a healthy oral environment, it has been clinically tested to relieve the discomfort of dry mouth for up to 4 hours *.
By making easy lifestyle changes, Dry Mouth can be managed and you should be able to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep. If, however, these adjustments make little difference, speak with your doctor to see what remedies she or he may advise.
*as measured in a 28 day clinical study