Most people experience dry mouth at some point in their lives, and it's a common occurrence when waking up. In many cases, dry mouth can be avoided by making a few lifestyle or habit changes. But if you experience frequent dry mouth, or dry mouth that lasts throughout the day, your condition may be more serious and you should speak with your physician.
Features
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, often develops when the saliva that coats the oral mucous membranes is reduced. Saliva is an important for health because it aids in food digestion, protects the teeth from decaying, kills bacteria and germs and aids in proper chewing and swallowing. People who suffer from a dry mouth in the morning may notice a number of symptoms. According to MayoClinic.com, aside from general dryness, you may notice that your saliva is thick and stringy, your lips and the corners of your mouth may become dry or cracked or you may have bad breath or difficult swallowing.
Causes
Dry mouth in the morning may be due to a side effect of certain medications, dysfunctional salivary glands, alcohol or caffeine use, lack of moisture in the air or continuous respiration through your mouth instead of your nose while you sleep. Severe conditions such as nerve damage, autoimmune diseases or cancer treatments like radiation can also cause dry mouth.
Treatment
According the American Dental Association, if you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist or physician may prescribe an artificial saliva medication or pilocarpine, which promotes salivary gland function. You can also apply fluoride gel into a mouth guard and wear it for five to 10 minutes before bed. Proper oral hygiene that includes brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing daily and regular checkups may also improve your condition.
Prevention
To prevent recurring dry mouth when you wake up in the morning, avoid sugary or acidic foods before bedtime, avoid using alcohol-containing mouth wash, avoid smoking and drinking caffeine and alcoholic beverages, drink plenty of water throughout the day and add moisture to your room at night by using a humidified. If you have sinus problems while sleeping that cause you to breathe through your mouth instead of your nose, try taking a decongestant to clear the sinus passageways. This may work in some cases, but over-the-counter decongestants may also worsen your condition, MayoClinic.com says.
Considerations
If you have persistent dry mouth that does not go away during the day, or your condition worsens, you should contact your physician or dentist.
