Dry Mouth at Night – Causes and Treatment
Dry mouth at night often leads to bad breath in the morning. Although this might not be a big deal for most, some people find the condition disturbing especially if they happen to be in a relationship.
Causes of Nighttime Dry Mouth
The simple reason for dry mouth is that the salivary glands fail to do their job by keeping the mouth lubricated. They start producing inadequate amounts of saliva which leaves that dry and scratchy feeling from the mouth right down to the throat. The ulterior reason for this usually varies though depending on the situation. Some people are simply thirsty or not properly hydrated, therefore making it hard for the body to produce necessary fluids. Drugs like muscle relaxants, antihistamines, decongestants and even drugs for chemotherapy are include the in list of possible dry mouth at night causes.
If the above two are not the likely causes of dry mouth at night, then chances are the individual is not sleeping properly. Specifically, they are breathing more through their mouth rather than their nose, therefore exposing the inside of the mouth to air. People who have colds or even suffering from asthma might also suffer from dry mouth at night due to their difficulty breathing through the nose. In some cases, dry mouth at night is a symptom of an underlying disease like diabetes.
Treatment for Nighttime Dry Mouth
Treatment for dry mouth usually depends on why it is happening in the first place. For example, individuals who are merely dehydrated should take care to consume 8 or more glasses of water a day – preferably before going to sleep. A popular technique is the intake of water using ice cubes. Individuals suffering from dry mouth at night are advised to suck ice cubes whenever they can whether it’s during work or relaxing in front of the TV. Having a glass of water or ice cubes at the bedside table is also a good idea in case of any nighttime discomfort.
In some cases, the ice cubes may be exchanged for pits of fruits like mangoes or peaches. Chewing bubble gum also helps produce more saliva. However, it is important to note that too much intake of sugar is one of the reasons for dry mouth at night. Hence, those who prefer to bubblegum remedy should opt for a sugar-less gum.
Although it might seem like a minor problem, dry mouth at night can actually be a sign of bigger concerns or might even lead to them. Without proper hydration in the mouth, the teeth will start to decay and bacteria would thrive in the area. Throat diseases and tongue disorders are also likely for those who don’t bother treating their dry mouth at night concern. If the most basic solutions do not work, it is advised that sufferers seek the advice of the doctor for a more powerful remedy or to figure out the underlying reasons for the condition. Usually though, dry mouth at night is something that can be easily addressed.
Dry Mouth Remedies – How to Treat Dry Mouth
There are currently lots of dry mouth remedies for the people who constantly find themselves dealing with a dehydrated mouth. Some of them are simple while others require a bit more planning. Additionally, individuals must first understand exactly what causes their condition before trying for any dry mouth remedies. That being said, following are some of the most popular treatment for dry mouth today.
Water
This seems to be the most obvious yet rarely considered of all the dry mouth remedies. After all, dry mouth results from lack of moisture in the mouth and the best way to get this back is through water. Make sure to drink the required eight glasses a day – perhaps even more. For effective dry mouth remedies, try keeping a bottle of water on hand every day. Even ice cubes would work and are even better as this makes a person feel as though they are “chewing” something.
Chewing Gum
Speaking of chewing gum, the constant movement of the item in the mouth usually facilitates the production of saliva. For this reason, chewing gums are quite possibly the most fun option for most dry mouth remedies. However, it is advised that the chewing gum used as a dry mouth remedy be sugar-free.
Flavored Drinks and Smoking
Coffee, alcohol and acidic drinks also worsen dry mouth conditions. For those who tend to drink more of these items in a single day than water would find dry mouth problems to the point where it might even wake them up at night. Dry mouth remedies for this kind of root cause is to simply stop too much intake of the drinks and focus more on consuming water. Smoking is also a known trigger of dry mouth not to mention a host of other diseases so try to temper this habit.
Prescription Drugs
People who started having dry mouth after being under a specific prescription might actually be reacting badly to the medicine. If this is the case then the remedy would be a simple matter of changing the medicine. Try asking for a different prescription from the doctor citing dry mouth problems and they should be able to provide something better.
Humidifiers
Dry mouth remedies include humidifiers that should be switched on during nighttime. This type of solution is possible if a person is experiencing dry mouth due to a wrong sleeping and breathing pattern. More specifically, they tend to breathe through their mouth rather than their noise, therefore drying out the area. A humidifier will prevent this from happening.
Of course, these aren’t the only dry mouth remedies available today. In most cases, dry mouth occurs because of something a person is doing rather than what they are not doing. For example, individuals who eat salty food often or use a specific type of mouthwash might be prone to dry mouth problems. Hence, dry mouth remedies basically stem from the original cause of the condition. Visiting the doctor for more powerful dry mouth remedies is also recommended especially those who have a chronic condition.
Understanding Dry Mouth Syndrome
Dry mouth syndrome is a condition wherein the salivary glands stop producing adequate amounts of saliva to keep the mouth moist. It’s actually pretty common and may be a slight irritation for some people. More often than not, dry mouth occurs when a person drank coffee or alcohol before sleeping.
Symptoms of Dry Mouth Syndrome
The symptoms of dry mouth are pretty easy to detect. Generally, it is this uncomfortable feeling of the mouth down to throat being incredibly in need of water. Chapped lips and tongue are also common symptoms of the condition. Increased tooth decay and saliva that appears to be stringy are also sure signs of the problem. Other symptoms include difficulty in swallowing and sores in the mouth or even on the lip.
Dry Mouth Syndrome Causes
The causes of dry mouth syndrome are varied. It could be something as simple as lack of water consumption or something as serious as diabetes or anemia. This is why it is important to take important note of how often dry mouth occurs in a person. If it happens more often than not, this could be the body giving a warning about something more dangerous.
In order to pinpoint the true cause of dry mouth in a person, a visit to the doctor is advisable. Prior to doing that expensive step though, try making a lifestyle assessment and note any habits that may have triggered the condition. For example, someone who recently took up smoking or drinking might suddenly fight dry mouth syndrome a constant problem. New medications also have the ability to trigger the condition as well as an inefficient breathing technique. More specifically, people who breathe through their mouths are more likely to suffer from dry mouth syndrome.
Other causes include nerve damage or even aging.
Home Remedies for Dry Mouth Syndrome
Fortunately, dry mouth syndrome can be easily treated especially if the cause is a simple matter of dehydration. If this is the case, drinking eight to ten glasses of water everyday – preferable one glass before sleeping – will do the trick. This will ensure that the individual would not suffer from dry mouth at night.
As for those who suffer from chronic dry mouth throughout the day, the key is to facilitate the constant production of saliva. This can usually be achieved through chewing or sucking through something like chewing gum or hard candy. Ideally though, the hard candy or chewing gum should be something that is not too sweet as it can worse the condition rather than make it better. That being said, avoiding sweet food types like cakes, chocolates and pastries would also help. This is especially true for individuals with diabetes as the dry mouth syndrome is very familiar for people in their condition.
What Causes Dry Mouth
What causes dry mouth varies from one person to the next. Essentially though, the condition is caused when the salivary glands stop performing as efficiently as they used to. This doesn’t mean that they no longer produce saliva – they still do. The problem is that it is not nearly enough to keep the mouth moist.
For those who are experiencing the condition for the first time, following may be some of the reasons why this is occurring.
Dehydration
The most obvious answer in what causes dry mouth is the lack of water in the body.
Wrong Diet
What causes dry mouth in terms of food eaten includes anything salty, sweet, acidic or involving caffeine. Salty food types usually dry out the mouth while acidic liquids and those laced with caffeine trigger frequent urination. Sweet food types are normally banned from people with dry mouth due to how dangerous they are to the teeth. Since the lack of saliva makes it easier for cavities to multiply, sweet foods will only make this work. Keeping those in mind, people with dry mouth are advised to eat food types that are soft, moist, spicy, bland or in liquid form. The liquid helps moisten the mouth while spicy food usually triggers the production of more saliva. However, too much spicy food can also trigger irritation so don’t take too much of it.
Medication
A common cause of dry mouth is medication, usually those used as muscle relaxants, antihistamines or chemotherapy medication. Should there be any dry mouth problems after starting medication, individuals can simply ask for a different drug from their doctors.
Underlying Health Problems
Studies reveal that depressed individuals often have cases of dry mouth problems. The same can be said for diabetics. Hence, those who are experiencing it often and have no idea what causes dry mouth in their case, it would be a good idea to visit the doctor quick. They will be in a much better position to diagnose the problem and pinpoint the exact cause.
The Dangers of Dry Mouth
It’s true that some people see dry mouth problems as trivial and are therefore not really bothered by it. However, dry mouth can also trigger different problems that are much more serious in the long run. For example, lack of moisture in the mouth makes it easy for the bacteria to multiply and eventually cause tooth decay. It could also lead to infections in the area which would require a much more serious treatment. For that reason, it is advised that individuals address what causes dry mouth problem immediately either by using basic methods or consulting the doctor for the more chronic situations.
All in all, what causes dry mouth stems from a lot of factors. It is therefore advised that individuals be wary of the condition and the current lifestyle that they lead. It might be not obvious at first, but small things like alcohol or cigarettes can even trigger this uncomfortable condition.
Biotene Moisturizing Mouth Spray
The Biotene Moisturizing Mouth Spray is known for the instant comfort and lasting relief it provides to people who has dry mouth problems. It contains Bio-Active Enzymes that helps keep away odor-causing bacteria, protecting your mouth from bad breath too. The product is also sweetened with xylitol so that it contains a very pleasant taste that’s not too strong for your taste buds to take. A few sprays using the Biotene Moisturizing Mouth Spray will instantly moisturize your mouth and you can feel its effects already. In other words, this product, with its light flavor is indeed a very useful product and effective too.
As a matter of fact, many users love this Biotene Moisturizing Mouth Spray better than its gel counterpart because they don’t have to take time rubbing the gel onto their mouth. They simply have to spray and then they get results already. This product is also considered by users better than other mouth spray because it really does not sting like other spays. The product really lives up to users’ expectations as being a gentle and mild mouth spray.
However, some negative feedbacks are also observed regarding the use of Biotene Moisturizing Mouth Spray. Some users find the taste of this product terrible. Some find this product ineffective and doesn’t work at all. But this only depends on every user’s definition of what works and what doesn’t. Still, one obvious disadvantage users also complain about this product is the price. It is very expensive for something that only lasts two weeks or more. But we all know that most expensive products are usually the ones that work.
Overall, the Biotene Moisturizing Mouth Spray is worth a try. Even with its expensive price, it lives up to most users’ expectations.
Oasis Mouth Moisturizing Spray, Mild Mint
When it comes to solutions to your dry mouth problems, you would want to give Oasis Mouth Moisturizing Spray, Mild Mint a try. This is obviously a mouth spray created to give you long lasting relief for dry mouth. This is also the best relief for those who are experiencing sjogren’s syndrome and other conditions that result in dry mouth.
The Oasis Mouth Moisturizing Spray, Mild Mint comes in a small 1 Fl oz (30 ml) spray bottle. It has a pleasing, mild mint flavor that can also free your mouth from bad breath. It is also an alcohol free formula, sugar free and ph balanced so it won’t sting your mouth and won’t cause further oral problems. The product is also created to last up to two hours or more.
People who have tried the Oasis Mouth Moisturizing Spray, Mild Mint agree that this product is indeed effective compared to other oral products out there. They also love its small sized bottle because it is handy, meaning they can just bring it along with them wherever they go without it being a burden to them. Aside from its effectiveness, they also love the mild minty taste of the product as it doesn’t sting indeed and they are guaranteed to have fresh breath for a long time.
But the Oasis Mouth Moisturizing Spray, Mild Mint is also not the perfect dry mouth solution for some. Some still say that the product does stings and they cannot bear its strong taste. Yes, the product may not be perfect especially for some who are less tolerant with the taste of mint on their mouth, but for most users, this is definitely better than most. Overall, they wouldn’t want to leave their homes without Oasis Mouth Moisturizing Spray, Mild Mint inside their purses and pockets.
Oralbalance Dry Mouth Moisturizing Gel
When it comes to your oral health, oral conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome, Drug/Radiation Therapies, Diabetes Stress & depression and all oral conditions causing dry mouth have finally met their match with Oralbalance Dry Mouth Moisturizing Gel. This is a unique oral lubricant and the best product used to get relief from dry mouth as it keeps away harmful odor-causing bacteria due to its Bio-Active Enzymes. The product is also used to treat minor irritations and burning sensations by providing moisture inside the mouth.
Oralbalance Dry Mouth Moisturizing Gel has a light, pleasant taste, sugar-free and sweetened with xylitol that does not only promote good mouth odor but also won’t allow your mouth to suffer from strong tastes that sting. It works by triggering salivary glands to produce more saliva and moisture to your mouth to keep a balanced oral environment. A balanced oral environment is free from bacteria that can cause bad breath.
It is true that a lot of users find Oralbalance Dry Mouth Moisturizing Gel great and the best product for dry mouth with a soothing texture. They say it is really effective especially for moderate to severe dry mouth. It is also a long lasting formula guaranteed to provide an 8-hour relief, soothing and protecting your oral tissues.
But not all users think so. Not all users appreciate Oralbalance Dry Mouth Moisturizing Gel. Some say it tastes terrible, while some say it tastes like apples. Some users have a problem with the texture of Oralbalance Dry Mouth Moisturizing Gel and they find this product uncomfortable on the mouth. But this is not really a serious drawback. If the texture is your problem, you might try using only a considerable amount to apply on your mouth. This is so you can get the best results and avoid even minor drawbacks.
Quantum Research OraMoist Dry Mouth Disc
If you are looking for a solution to dry mouth, Quantum Research OraMoist Dry Mouth Disc is created for that purpose. This product is neither a gel nor a spray; it is an oral patch you can place inside your mouth wherein it will slowly dissolve. Like other dry mouth solutions, this product also contains xylitol and enzymes; as well as it is alcohol-free. This product is clinically tested to be effective when it comes to moistening the mouth, thereby improving general oral health. The Quantum Research OraMoist Dry Mouth Disc is also safe to the mouth as it is known to use natural ingredients and is free from preservatives.
The Quantum Research OraMoist Dry Mouth Disc amazes a lot of users. This is due to the fact that it is interesting to use. You simply place it inside your mouth and allow it to dissolve. Impressively, it really works as it melts. Aside from that, it tastes good too. The product works best during nighttime wherein you experience dry mouth more often than in the daytime.
There are just a few hitches with this Quantum Research OraMoist Dry Mouth Disc. It may be interesting to use as you feel it dissolve inside your mouth, but some users find it annoying especially when the patch sticks on the roof of your mouth. Some users also observe that the patch does not dissolve completely and there are patch residues left when you wake up in the morning, making your mouth feel uncomfortable. The residue is said to be hard to remove and sometimes, it becomes gooey and stringy you might even choke on it.
However, these hitches are only normal for someone who is not used to this product and is not aware of the residues. But for those who have tried Quantum Research OraMoist Dry Mouth Disc and experienced its effectiveness, they could say that these hitches do not outweigh the incredible benefit provided by this product when it comes to giving enough mouth moisture.
Biotene Dental Products Oral Balance Gel
If you are experiencing dry mouth caused by diabetes, depression, medications and other causes, Biotene Dental Products Oral Balance Gel is a proven solution to this kind of oral problem. It is apparently in a gel form like toothpaste. You can simply use it for brushing your teeth or rub it on your mouth before you sleep at night.
This Biotene Dental Products Oral Balance Gel is made for moderate to severe dry mouth problems. It is made to last for more than 8 hours. It is effective because it contains bio-active enzymes that inhibit harmful odor-causing bacteria. Therefore, this gel is not only effective in giving relief for your dry mouth problems but also in eradicating foul breath.
There is absolutely no oral discomfort when you apply the Biotene Dental Products Oral Balance Gel because it doesn’t have a strong taste like most mouthwashes. Rather, it has a light pleasant taste as it is sweetened with xylitol. In other words, this gel is easy to apply, gentle to the mouth as well as tastes good. Above all it is effective.
The only drawback of the Biotene Dental Products Oral Balance Gel is the price. This amazing dry mouth solution does not come cheap. Literally, you may find the price to be not that hefty but since you have to apply a heavy amount of that gel for best results, you may notice that one tube does not go a long way and you may need to buy another one soon. This is what makes this product expensive. But when it comes to seriously getting rid of your severe dry mouth problems, the price is no match for the effectiveness of the Biotene Dental Products Oral Balance Gel.
Dry Mouth Treatment – Help For Persons With Limited Saliva
Saliva is an important digestive fluid found in the mouth. Saliva mixes with food to begin the digestion process. In addition, this fluid is used to cleanse the mouth, prevent infection by limiting the amount of fungi and bacteria in the mouth. People that do not produce enough saliva often have a dry and uncomfortable feeling in the mouth. Fortunately, dry mouth treatment can help.
This condition can be caused by several medications that are often prescribed or used. It is often attributed to certain diseases. Lifestyle choices may limit the production of saliva. One common cause of the problem is dehydration. Drinking enough water is one effective dry mouth treatment.
There are many medicines that can cause a dryness to the oral cavity. Prescription medications include those for anxiety, allergies, colds, depression, and many other conditions. If a person begins to feel parched after beginning a new medication, he or she should speak with the doctor who made the prescription to see if this is a possible side effect. If the condition is becoming problematic, the doctor may be able to prescribe an alternative medication as a dry mouth treatment.
There are many medical conditions that may lead to problems with dryness in peoples’ mouths. Some of the more common include: Alzheimer’s disease, HIV/Aids, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, diabetes or stroke. One’s physician should be consulted for help with dry mouth treatment if the lack of saliva becomes problematic.
Certain medical treatments can cause damage to the glands responsible for the production of saliva and cause dryness. One common procedure that causes this problem is radiation, especially when aimed toward the head or neck. Another treatment that can cause people to suffer this problem is chemotherapy. These treatments often reduce production of saliva. In addition, people that have suffered nerve damage may not produce sufficient amounts of saliva. With any of these conditions consider the benefit of dry mouth treatment.
When a person becomes dehydrated, one sign may be the need for dry mouth treatment. The tongue may seem to stick to other parts, such as the roof, gums or other lining. Common causes of dehydration include fever, diarrhea, vomiting, burns and blood loss.
Still others may find that they suffer from this condition due to lifestyle decisions. For example, any use of tobacco products may affect the production of saliva. Drinking caffeine may also contribute to the problem as can breathing with the mouth open, drying the tongue, gums and inside the cheeks. Dry mouth treatment may help with these problems until lifestyle changes can be made.
Common symptoms of the condition include the lips, tongue and oral cavity felling sticky or a dryness in the area. Frequently, the problem is accompanied by frequent thirst. The lack of moisture may lead to developing sores in the area, one the lips, tongue, cheeks and a red or raw tongue. The sufferer may have difficulty chewing, tasting, swallowing or dryness of the throat. Finally, a common symptom that is often bad breath, as the saliva is needed to fight the bacteria responsible for the odor. Persons suffering from any of these symptoms can benefit from dry mouth treatment.
The problem can be even worse if it aggravates symptoms including mouth infections, gingivitis or tooth decay. It can even make it difficult for the sufferer to wear dentures. Dry mouth treatment can resolve many of these problems.
When the problem is suspected to be related to medication, the patient should speak with the doctor. The doctor should know which medications cause the condition. It is often possible to adjust dosage or switch to a different drug that can control the medical situation without the side effects requiring dry mouth treatment. If the medication cannot be changed, dry mouth treatment can help.
Many times a dry mouth treatment can often help. Many people find that a sugar free candy or gum can help to increase the moisture. Avoid candies or gums that contain sugar as they can lead to tooth decay.
Be sure to drink plenty of water. Even persons that do not have problem with dryness should drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Sip the water throughout the day to keep the mucus membranes moist. Remember that coffee, tea, and many sodas will cause further dryness due to their caffeine content and are not effective at dry mouth treatment. Breathe through the nose. The nose is less likely to have a problem with dryness. Keeping the lips closed will help to maintain moisture.
A room vaporizer can increase the moisture content of the air in the home. Using it at night as a dry mouth treatment can help for the times when you are sleeping and not able to continue to sip water. This dry mouth treatment is less likely to cause the dryness of the oral cavity to be a problem when sleeping. Most drug stores have over the counter substitutes of saliva. This dry mouth treatment can help to keep the area moist. They are also helpful when chewing food.
If it is impossible to change one’s medication or the problem persists, the doctor may prescribe a medication that can stimulate the glands to produce more saliva. An oral rinse can also be used to provide dry mouth treatment.