What makes you wake up in the morning with a dry mouth?/ Five ways to combat it

2023-10-15 09:53:00, Shëndeti CNA

What makes you wake up in the morning with a dry mouth?/ Five ways to combat it

Illustrative photo

It has happened to all of us that one morning we wake up with a dry mouth. However, if it is something that happens often, then it is probably not a random phenomenon, but a condition that needs to be treated.

Dry mouth occurs when the oral cavity does not produce enough saliva. According to the Cleveland Clinic, lack of saliva is usually a symptom or side effect of another health problem.

Frank A. Scannapieco, periodontist, microbiologist and chair of oral biology at the University at Buffalo School of Dentistry reveals the root causes of dry mouth and suggests solutions:

Dehydration

Dry mouth often acts as a sign that the whole body is dehydrated. When the body lacks the necessary fluids, it is unable to produce saliva, which consists almost entirely of water, leading to dry mouth.

Mouth breathing

Do you wake up with your mouth open? If so, then this habit may be to blame for your dry mouth. "The tissues of the mouth dry out, especially those closer to the lips," explains Dr. Scannapieco.

Mouth breathing is seen more often when there is congestion. A stuffy nose makes breathing through the nose difficult, so clearing your sinuses before bed will help prevent dry mouth.

Obstructive sleep apnea

If you snore regularly and wake up every day with a dry mouth, you may be suffering from sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterized by abnormal breathing during sleep. People with this disease experience trouble breathing, shortness of breath, and loud snoring, according to the Mayo Clinic. These symptoms often force the patient to breathe through the mouth, intensifying the dryness of the mouth.

MEDICINES

Some medicines affect the oral cavity, reducing the flow of saliva. "Many drugs act on the central nervous system or on the secretory cells of the salivary glands, reducing the secretion of saliva," explains Dr. Scannapieco.

Such drugs are antidepressants, antihistamines, decongestants, muscle relaxants, pain relievers, but also those used to treat overactive bladder.

Dry mouth is more common in older people, which may be explained by the fact that these people tend to take more medications.

Diseases

Besides sleep apnea, there are some more serious conditions that can cause dry mouth. For example, some autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome, show effects on the salivary glands, informs Dr. Scannapieco. Diabetes, a stroke, an oral yeast infection and Alzheimer's disease can also be linked to dry mouth, adds the Mayo Clinic.

Consumption of alcohol or caffeine at the end of the day

Drinking caffeinated or alcoholic beverages in the afternoon or evening can be the culprit behind dry palate. That's because caffeine and alcohol are mild dehydrators, which can lead to dry mouth, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

5 ways to prevent dry mouth

Dr. Scannapieco suggests 5 simple tactics to help you manage or even completely treat dry mouth:

1. Consult your doctor

The first line of defense against dry mouth is to identify any underlying disease. If taking a medication is the cause of dry mouth, it may be necessary to change the dose or prescribe another medication that does not cause this side effect.

2. Drink lots of water

Eight glasses of water a day is a necessary amount to stay hydrated. Always keep a water bottle with you, whether you're in the office, in bed, or out and about, so you can drink water throughout the day, suggests Dr. Scannapieco.

3. Use a humidifier

A humidifier in the bedroom will add moisture to the atmosphere of the room, preventing dry mouth at night, especially if you are not a mouth breather.

4. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks

Since these drinks tend to cause dehydration, avoiding them can reduce the effects of dry mouth.

5. Make oral hygiene a priority

People who experience dry mouth are more prone to dental conditions like tooth decay, so a proper oral hygiene routine is essential, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly, suggests Dr. Scannapieco. Supplement your oral hygiene routine with a fluoride mouthwash. Some mouthwashes, in fact, like those with xylitol, are made specifically for people with dry mouth, so ask your dentist for more information. Finally, it's best to avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol or peroxide, as they can worsen dry mouth./ CNA