Nighttime dry mouth is a common ailment that has causes ranging from disease to diet. While mostly a nuisance, excessive dry mouth can accelerate tooth decay since, according to MayoClinic.com, saliva keeps mouth bacteria in check and washes away plaque and food particles. There are treatments for dry mouth once the cause has been determined.
Features
Dry mouth is characterized by several features, including a feeling of dryness or stickiness, thick saliva, difficulty speaking, trouble swallowing or a sore throat and sores or crevices at the corners of the lips. You may have bad breath or, if you wear lipstick, you'll find it adhering to your teeth. Food may taste different and you may develop a mouth fungus reports MayoClinic.com.
Causes
Sudden dry mouth is most often caused by medication. Medications that are intended to dry out the body such as decongestants and anti-diarrhea treatments especially trigger dry mouth. The disorder Sjogren's syndrome causes dryness in the mouth as well as dry eyes. Diabetes can cause both dry mouth and excessive thirst. Smoking or chewing tobacco will also increase the symptoms of dry mouth. If you have dry mouth, the symptoms will be amplified at night when there is not as much saliva available in the mouth.
Prevention/Solution
At-home treatments for nighttime dry mouth can include sleeping with a humidifier on or sucking on a sugar-free lozenge prior to sleeping. You should also keep hydrated throughout the day and try to make sure you breathe through your nose and not your mouth. At night, consider using a breathing strip across the bridge of your nose to help keep the nasal passages open while you sleep.
Treatment
Medications available to treat dry mouth include those that increase the production of saliva and those that moisten the mouth with artificial saliva. Additionally, if you are on a long-term medication that causes dry mouth, your doctor may adjust the dose or switch to a medication with a less offensive side effect.
Warning
If your dry mouth occurs suddenly and is not related to any new medication you are taking, consult your health care provider to check for disease such as Sjogren's syndrome or diabetes.
