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We assist many customers and patients who are undergoing Cancer Treatment and get asked daily How can I stop Dry Mouth whilst I sleep? Dry Mouth is not only related to patients undergoing cancer treatment but can be caused by a variety of reasons and Dry Mouth Sufferers often find it to be the worst at night. This can lead to sleep disturbances and seriously affect your overall quality of life.
In this post, we discuss why the mouth dries out and how to help stop dry mouth while sleeping.
What Is Dry Mouth?
Xerostomia or Dry Mouth is considered a health condition that affects the salivary glands in your mouth, preventing the production of saliva which is required to keep your mouth wet and moist. Dry Mouth is quite common.
Why Do You Need Saliva?
Saliva is extremely important and many people do not understand the role saliva plays in both your oral and general health. Saliva not only keeps the mouth wet but also prevents tooth decay, allows you to taste, protects the oesophagus, assists in digestion, speech, and gum health. When salivary flow is decreased you are at increased risk of tooth decay, bad breath, gum disease and may find difficulty eating, speaking, and swallowing, in turn affecting your daily life.
Dry Mouth When Sleeping
During sleep it is normal for saliva to still be produced and secreted into your mouth, albeit at a reduced rate and in alignment with your circadian rhythm. The rhythmic muscle activity along with salivary secretion is an important and involuntary action which occurs whilst we sleep, ensuring our mouth remains wet and moist.
Unfortunately, sleep related Dry Mouth is noticed when you suffer from Dry Mouth and Dry Mouth symptoms are often further exacerbated at night. This results in you waking during the night feeling parched and needing to constantly sip on water for relief.
Symptoms of Dry Mouth While Sleeping
You may notice the following symptoms if you experience Dry Mouth at night:
- Waking up frequently to get a drink of water
- Hoarseness or a dry, scratchy throat
- Dry, cracked, or chapped lips
- Feeling thirsty when you wake in the morning
- Difficulty taking a full breath
- Bad breath or taste in your mouth
- Thick, stringy of saliva on the tongue, around the lips or on the inside of your cheeks
Complications of Dry Mouth
If left untreated, Dry Mouth can lead to more serious health issues including:
- Cracked lips, sores in and around the mouth
- Yeast infections of the mouth
- Split and bleeding skin in the corners of the mouth
- Increased plaque, tooth decay and gum disease
- Poor nutrition and eating habits due to difficulty chewing and swallowing
How to Prevent Dry Mouth While Sleeping
Living with Dry Mouth is challenging and far from fun, especially at night. Depending on the causative factor Dry Mouth can be temporary or unfortunately an ongoing or permanent problem.
The great news is there are plenty of tips, solutions and products that can assist managing and preventing dry mouth at night including:
Our Products Help Manage Dry Mouth At Night
The House of Mouth offers a range of Dry Mouth Products that are proven to effectively prevent, manage and alleviate the symptoms of dry mouth at night. These can be easily integrated into your daily oral hygiene routine or used as needed to provide immediate dry mouth relief.
We generally recommend using a lubricating Toothpaste and Mouthwash designed for Dry Mouth and complimenting this with the placement of two Xylimelts before you retire for bed. As needed, a Gel or Spray can be used for instant relief upon waking throughout the night.
Dry Mouth Toothpastes
Oral 7 Toothpaste is a moisturising toothpaste containing enzymes which help stimulate and lubricate the mouth whilst sleeping.
cloSYS Sensitive Toothpaste is a gentle, non-burning and irritation free, fluoride-based toothpaste clinically proven to fight bad breath and dry mouth.
Dry Mouth Mouthwashes
Oral 7 Moisturising and cloSYS Ultra-Sensitive are super gentle mouthwashes which can be used twice daily after brushing.
Dry Mouth Lozenges
Xylimelts can be used anytime throughout the day and night to provide lasting relief from nighttime and morning dry mouth. Xylimelts are preferred as they provide up to 3-6 hours of continuous Dry Mouth relief when using two lozenges before bed. Oral 7 Chewing Gum can be used provide a burst of freshness and moistness anytime throughout the day or night.
Dry Mouth Gels and Sprays
GC Dry Mouth Gel, Oral 7 Gel, Oral 7 Spray and Denta-med Spray can be used as needed and are particularly useful for when waking at night when an instant relief from Dry Mouth is required.
Dry Mouth Advice and Assistance
Do you have questions about the products recommended to you by your Dental Professional or need help selecting a Dry Mouth product suited to your individual needs? One of our Dental Professionals will be more than happy to help – Contact Us today. Remember, it is always recommended to see a Dental or Health Professional should your dry mouth cause pain, discomfort or have been an ongoing issue for some time.
(07) 55 34 8603
