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.

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