Dry Mouth While You Sleep? Here's How to Stop It

Do you wake with a mouth that feels like sandpaper? You’re far from alone, a great many people experience dry mouth overnight, and it has a range of possible causes. The good news is that it’s usually manageable. Let’s look at the causes first, then what you can do.

What causes night-time dry mouth

Dry mouth, known medically as xerostomia, comes down to a lack of saliva. When the mouth doesn’t produce enough, bacteria can flourish, which over time may contribute to decay, infections, and other problems. Importantly, dry mouth itself isn’t a disease, it’s a symptom of something else.

Common causes include the natural ageing process, certain medications, smoking, some medical conditions such as diabetes, and treatments like radiation therapy. Identifying which applies to you is the key to easing it, which is why persistent dry mouth is worth discussing with a professional.

What you can do

Several simple steps often help. Stay well hydrated by drinking water through the day, and brush with a fluoride toothpaste to give your teeth extra protection while saliva is low. It can also help to avoid spicy and acidic foods in the hours before bed.

If you smoke or regularly drink alcohol, cutting back on both can ease dry mouth along with bringing wider health benefits. And it’s worth checking whether any regular medication lists dry mouth as a side effect, if so, speak with your doctor about whether an adjustment is possible. Never stop or change a medication without medical advice, though.

When to seek help

If dry mouth persists despite these steps and you can’t get it under control, it’s worth a proper look. Get in touch with TMJ Therapy Centre to book an appointment, and we’ll do our best to get to the root cause and help you find relief.