If you suffer from dry mouth, you pretty much know how frustrating the condition is. Dry mouth can impact your daily life and the most significantly the quality of your sleep. But not to worry much, it’s a common condition and there are ways to prevent it. Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands stop producing enough saliva resulting in loss of moisture inside the mouth. The role of saliva is to reduce the quantity of mouth bacteria and acid that cause gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. This article will explore various ways that can help prevent dry mouth while sleeping.
Nighttime Dry Mouth Remedies
1. Drink plenty of water: If you are experiencing dry mouth, ensure you are drinking enough water and fluids. Make it a habit to drink water from time to time to stop minor dehydration form occurring as it can result in dry mouth.
2. Practice good oral hygiene: To prevent dry mouth while sleeping, it’s important to improve your oral health. Good oral habits include brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once. While brushing don’t forget to brush your tongue as well. You may also rinse your mouth with mouthwash or water to remove the stuck food particles.
3. Sugar-free gum: Chewing sugar-free gum will prevent your mouth from getting dry by promoting saliva production. Although it’s not a permanent solution, you will some a temporary relief.
4. Cut down caffeine intake: Drinks such as coffee and tea contain caffeine that can make your mouth dry.
5. Rinse with mouthwash: Using a mouthwash plays vital role in improving your oral health. However, it important to note the ingredients of your mouthwash. Mouthwashes that contain alcohol as an active ingredient, effectively kill bacteria but at the same time they may dry out your mouth.
6. Keep a humidifier: To prevent your mouth from getting dry while sleeping keep a humidifier in your room to moist the air at night.
7. Nose breathing: Trying to breath from your nose instead of your mouth will help stop dry mouth while sleeping. Some people breathe with open mouth and this can make the airways dry. Some people may do this due to underlying medical conditions such as cold, clogged nasal passages. Exercising heavily can also force a person to breathe with an open mouth. You’ll have to make efforts to keep your mouth closed and try to breathe with the nose. This will help increase the flow of saliva and prevent dry mouth while you’re sleeping or awake.
8. Over-the-counter products: You can find some over-the-counter products that help improve saliva production. This is a temporary but a good solution and have lesser side effects than other strong forms of prescriptions. These products may include sprays, lozenges, and mouth rinses.
9. Fluoride toothpaste: Before going to bed use a fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash to clean your teeth and mouth.
10. Visit your dentist: Pay regular visits to your dentist to help eliminate cavities and other oral issues.
To schedule an appointment with the dental experts at Pearl Dentistry, call 713.766.4389.
