Dry mouth during sleep can be the cause of a lot of problems—bad breath, poor sleep and even gum disease to name a few. If you suffer from it, don’t worry; you’re not alone. Millions of people experience dry mouth, with the nighttime often bringing about the worst of it.

Dry mouth can also be caused by medication, smoking, radiation treatment, aging, and even diseases such as diabetes or Parkinson’s. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep your mouth moist and your oral health in great shape.

Here are a handful of ways to prevent dry mouth during sleep:

• Drink water throughout the day, cutting liquids off 1-2 hours prior to bedtime
• Sugar free candy, gum or mints can help increase saliva production
• Brush with a fluoride toothpaste
• Use an artificial saliva product, either over-the-counter or prescribed by your doctor or dentist
• Avoid acidic or spicy foods which can make it worse
• Limit your alcohol and caffeine intake, especially at night
• If you smoke, it’s time to quit
• Mouth breathing or snoring can be culprits—talk to your doctor if you need help fixing these issues
• Discuss changing medications to reduce dry mouth as a side effect
• Use a humidifier to add additional moisture to the air
• At night, have water on your bedside table in case you wake up parched
• Keep on top of brushing and flossing
• Use alcohol-free mouthwash

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Is dry mouth causing complications with your oral health? Schedule an appointment today and our team will get your teeth in tip-top shape and help provide additional solutions for prevention.