Struggling with Dry Mouth When You Wake Up? Here's What to Know

Everyone's had a morning where their mouth feels parched and dry like they’ve been trekking through the desert all night. But if you're consistently waking up with dry mouth (also known as xerostomia), your body might be signaling an underlying issue.

Dry mouth occurs when your salivary glands don't produce enough saliva, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Since saliva plays a crucial role in digestion, oral health, and keeping your mouth comfortable, it’s important to figure out what’s behind this dryness and how to address it.

Frank A. Scannapieco, DMD, PhD, chair of oral biology at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, shares insights on what might be causing your morning dry mouth and how to find relief.

6 Reasons You Might Be Waking Up With Dry Mouth

1. You're Dehydrated

The most common cause of dry mouth is simple dehydration.

"Saliva is made up of 99 percent water, so when you're dehydrated, you don't produce enough of it," Dr. Scannapieco explains.

If you’re not drinking enough water throughout the day, your body might struggle to keep your salivary glands functioning properly, leading to a dry mouth in the morning.

2. You Breathe Through Your Mouth

Waking up with your mouth wide open? You might be a mouth breather, which can lead to a parched palate.

"When you sleep with your mouth open, the oral tissues dry out, particularly those closest to your lips," Dr. Scannapieco says.

Mouth breathing is often linked to nasal congestion, as a stuffy nose forces you to breathe through your mouth instead. Clearing your sinuses before bed may help reduce this effect.

3. You Might Have Sleep Apnea

If you regularly snore or wake up gasping for air, you might have sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterized by disrupted breathing.

People with sleep apnea often breathe through their mouth, contributing to dry mouth. Other symptoms include:

• Morning headaches

• Daytime sleepiness

• Insomnia

• Difficulty concentrating

• Irritability

If you suspect sleep apnea, talk to your healthcare provider. Treating this condition may also resolve your dry mouth.

4. You're Taking Certain Medications

Many medications can interfere with saliva production, leading to dry mouth.

"Certain drugs affect the central nervous system or salivary glands, reducing saliva flow," Dr. Scannapieco says.

Common culprits include:

• Antidepressants

• Antihistamines

• Decongestants

• Muscle relaxants

• Pain medications

As we age, we’re more likely to take multiple medications, which increases the risk of xerostomia. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 1 in 5 older adults experiences dry mouth.

5. You Have Another Underlying Health Condition

Several medical conditions are associated with dry mouth, including:

• Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome

• Diabetes

• Stroke

• Oral yeast infections (thrush)

• Alzheimer’s disease

These conditions can affect the salivary glands or reduce saliva production, leading to chronic dry mouth.

6. You Drink Alcohol or Caffeine Late in the Day

A late-night coffee or cocktail might be contributing to your morning dry mouth.

Both caffeine and alcohol can have diuretic effects, increasing fluid loss and potentially leading to dehydration, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

How to Prevent Dry Mouth While Sleeping

While you might not be able to address every cause of dry mouth, you can take steps to manage or prevent it.

1. Talk to Your Doctor

If you suspect a medication is causing dry mouth, your doctor may be able to adjust your dosage or prescribe an alternative.

2. Stay Hydrated

Aim for eight glasses of water a day, or simply drink when thirsty. Keep a water bottle nearby, such as on your nightstand, for quick sips if you wake up thirsty.

3. Chew on Ice Cubes

Not only does this help with hydration, but the chewing motion also stimulates saliva flow, per the Cleveland Clinic.

4. Use a Humidifier

A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can reduce dryness in your mouth, especially if you're a mouth breather.

5. Avoid Alcohol and Caffeinated Drinks

Cut back on these dehydrating beverages, particularly in the afternoon and evening.

6. Try Products That Moisturize Your Mouth

Artificial saliva products, including sprays, gels, and mouth rinses, can lubricate your mouth and improve comfort.

7. Consider Medication That Stimulates Saliva

"If there are functional salivary glands, salivary stimulant drugs like pilocarpine may help," Dr. Scannapieco says.

Consult your doctor to see if a prescription might be appropriate.

8. Prioritize Oral Hygiene

People with dry mouth are at higher risk for cavities and tooth decay, so it’s crucial to maintain a good oral hygiene routine:

• Floss regularly.

• Brush twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste.

• Use a fluoride-based mouth rinse, avoiding those with alcohol or peroxide, which can worsen dryness.

The Bottom Line

Dry mouth is more than just an annoyance it can affect your oral health, sleep quality, and overall comfort. Identifying the underlying cause and implementing these simple remedies can help you wake up feeling refreshed and hydrated.

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