This article discusses the causes of dry mouth and lists the treatments available.
You may find that you breathe through your mouth if you have an allergy or a blocked nose.
Breathing with your mouth open can
To address your symptoms, your doctor may suggest certain prevention methods. These can include using a steroid nasal spray, nasal decongestant, or antihistamines.
Dehydration can happen due to a variety of factors, including:
- illness
- consuming too much alcohol
- certain medications
- diabetes
Symptoms of dehydration can include a dry tongue, mouth, and lips. You may also feel thirsty.
Drinking fluids more regularly or eating foods containing more liquid can help prevent dehydration. This might include foods such as soup, jello, fruit, or ice cream.
Sleep apnea
Research published in the
The study also showed having a dry mouth upon waking was more common for those with moderate to severe sleep apnea.
Some methods for managing sleep apnea may also improve symptoms of dry mouth on waking. These include:
- maintaining a healthy weight
- stopping or limiting alcohol intake
- stopping smoking
- using certain devices or medications
Learn why you should see a specialist for sleep apnea.
Certain medications
Medications that may affect saliva production include:
- high blood pressure tablets
- sedatives
- decongestants
- pain relievers
- antidepressants
- bladder control medication
Your doctor or dentist may suggest altering your dosage to prevent waking up with a dry mouth. Other options include trying different medication or using a saliva alternative.
Oral thrush
- have taken antibiotics
- have certain health conditions
- wear dentures
- smoke
- have poor oral hygiene
- take certain medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids
Your doctor may suggest taking an antifungal medication to treat oral thrush. Depending on the cause, they may then adjust any other medications you are taking.
You can reduce your chances of getting oral thrush by:
- brushing your teeth, gums, and tongue twice a day
- removing and cleaning dentures at night
- stopping smoking
In older adults, a dry mouth
You can ease symptoms of waking up with a dry mouth due to aging by:
- taking sips of water throughout the day
- following a dental hygiene plan
- rinsing your mouth after taking medications
- using a humidifier at night
- drinking liquid with a meal to help food go down
- avoiding caffeine
- chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candy
- stopping or limiting alcohol intake
A dry mouth
With these treatments, your saliva glands may become damaged and produce less saliva.
The following are ways to improve a dry mouth upon waking due to chemotherapy or radiation therapy:
- Foods: Add gravies and sauces to your foods so they are easier to eat. Another option is to eat wetter foods, such as soups, porridge, and stews. You can also chew sugar-free gum or candy.
- Fluids: Limiting alcohol intake can improve symptoms of a dry mouth on waking. Alternatively, drink milkshakes, smoothies, and more water throughout the day.
Learn more about reducing dry mouth during cancer therapy.
Diabetes
You can help prevent waking up with a dry mouth due to diabetes by:
- brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day
- seeing your dentist regularly
- drinking fluids throughout the day
Managing your blood sugar levels can help reduce your risk of gum disease and mouth problems.
Sjögren’s is an autoimmune disease that can affect the whole body. This can include dryness in the mouth, as the immune system may attack the salivary glands.
You can help ease symptoms of waking up with a dry mouth due to Sjögren’s by:
- including wet foods or liquids with meals to make swallowing easier
- sipping water during your meal
- avoiding spicy, salty, or dry foods
- avoiding mouthwashes containing alcohol or witch hazel
- placing coconut oil or olive oil in your mouth and then spitting it out
Nerve damage can happen if you experience an injury, surgical harm, or illness affecting your neck or head.
Your nerves tell the salivary glands to make saliva. If these nerves become damaged, saliva production may stop.
You can ease symptoms of waking up with a dry mouth from nerve damage by:
- using saliva substitutes
- trying dry mouth products such as toothpaste, mouthwashes, and gels
- maintaining oral health practices
- sipping water and drinking enough fluids
- sucking on sugar-free candy
Smoking tobacco can cause a dry mouth. The only way to prevent waking up from dry mouth due to smoking is to stop smoking.
To ease your symptoms, try drinking water throughout the day and chewing sugar-free gum.
Read our tips for smoking cessation.
Alcoholic drinks such as spirits may cause a reduction in your saliva production. This can lead to waking up with a dry mouth.
To prevent this, try limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption.
According to a
Eating, smoking, or inhaling cannabis can also lead to dry mouth.
Treatment for waking up with a dry mouth
Management techniques for dry mouth symptoms include:
- drinking water regularly
- chewing sugar-free gum
- sucking on sugar-free candy
- limiting or avoiding alcohol and caffeine
- avoiding spicy, salty, and acidic foods
- stopping smoking
- practicing good oral health techniques
- using an alcohol-free mouthwash
Your doctor may also suggest:
- changing or altering your medication dosage
- sleeping with your mouth closed
- treating nasal congestion
- artificial saliva in the form of sprays, lozenges, or gels
- FDA-approved treatments, such as pilocarpine and cevimeline
A dry mouth can occur if you are not producing enough saliva. Symptoms of a dry mouth can include bad breath, difficulty swallowing, and dry lips.
Contact your doctor if you have a dry mouth. They can rule out any underlying causes and suggest ways to treat and manage your symptoms.
