Dehydration can cause dry mouth or make a dry mouth worse. Because of this, staying hydrated can help improve dry mouth.
However, the type of drink you use to stay hydrated matters. This is because some drinks can be acidic and further impact your dental and oral health.
Drinks to avoid with dry mouth
Researchers suggest that drinking water is a safe way to address dry mouth. However, some bottled waters can still be acidic. Try to drink water that has a neutral or alkaline pH, such as a pH of
You can check the pH of the water you drink by using a litmus paper test.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is another effective way to prevent dry mouth while sleeping. This includes brushing your teeth and flossing before bed.
Other ways to improve your oral hygiene and prevent dry mouth while sleeping include:
- brushing your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- flossing once
every day Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source - replacing your toothbrushes every 3–4 months or any time they look frayed
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH),
Contact your doctor if you notice dry mouth or other new symptoms while taking a medication or supplement. They may be able to adjust your dosage or provide an alternative medication.
Never stop taking medication or adjust your medication routine before consulting with your doctor.
Visiting a dentist can help you improve and protect your oral health. In turn, this can help improve or prevent dry mouth while sleeping.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults visit a dentist at least
Contact a dentist for any symptoms affecting your teeth or mouth that are new, persistent, or improve and then return.
Your dentist can also make changes to your medication if it is causing dry mouth.
Foods that are high in salt (sodium) can dry out your mouth. Spicy foods may also cause additional irritation.
Avoiding salty foods and other foods that irritate your mouth, particularly before sleep, can
Moderate and high alcohol consumption
If you experience dry mouth, limit your alcohol consumption to prevent dry mouth while sleeping. It may also be particularly helpful to avoid consuming alcohol before bed.
Smoking tobacco products
Using a humidifier while you sleep can keep your surroundings humid. This can help your mouth and airways stay moist.
Additionally, using a compatible humidifier may help if you use a CPAP or BiPAP machine. However,
Snoring
Over-the-counter (OTC) products to help manage snoring
However, snoring can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying health condition, such as sleep apnea. Contact your doctor to check for other health conditions before self-treating for snoring.
Read more about snoring, including its causes and treatment.
Research suggests that chewing gum may help alleviate and prevent dry mouth.
A 2021 randomized controlled trial suggests that people who chewed gum had significantly lower levels of dry mouth than those who did not. After three months, people who chewed gum also had higher saliva production than those who did not chew gum.
When selecting gum to use, choose sugar-free products and products that have the “ADA” seal. This shows that the product has met the American Dental Association’s (ADA) safety and efficacy standards.
Never chew gum while sleeping or trying to fall asleep, as this is a choking hazard.
Synthetic or artificial saliva can help relieve dry mouth. These are products that can be applied in the mouth to
Artificial saliva is available in formats such as:
- oral spray
- oral rinse
- swabs
- gel
- dissolving tablets
The exact ingredients can vary per product. Always contact your doctor or a pharmacist for advice before using new medications.
Contact your doctor if self-care methods are not helping prevent dry mouth while you sleep.
Also, contact your doctor if you have any other symptoms of illness alongside dry mouth. Dry mouth can sometimes indicate other health conditions that may require medical care, such as Sjögren’s syndrome.
Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and may be able to diagnose an underlying condition. They can then recommend specific treatments to help improve your outcome.
Talk with your doctor if their initial treatment plan is not effective. They can recommend alternative treatment options.
Learn more about dry mouth, including its causes and related conditions.
How to prevent dry mouth while sleeping can depend on the underlying cause. However, drinking water, maintaining proper oral hygiene, and avoiding acidic drinks and alcohol before bed can help. Other prevention methods include using a humidifier or nasal strips during sleep.
Contact your doctor if you experience persistent dry mouth. They can determine if any medications or existing health conditions may be causing your symptoms.
