Why Is My Mouth So Dry When I Wake Up?

Next to waking up with a numb arm, waking up with a bone dry mouth in the morning can be one of the worst ways to start your day. For some people some simple changes in habit can help prevent dry mouth in the morning, but for others the issue may be more serious. If you are concerned that you’re consistently waking up in the morning with this condition, please contact your doctor immediately.

What is Dry Mouth?

In medical terms, dry mouth or xerostomia occurs when there is a lack of saliva in your mouth due to lack of production from your glands. This specifically is known as hyposalivation. This is a crucial identification because other than the uncomfortable feeling of waking up with a dry mouth, bacteria are free to grow in this environment as saliva helps kill bacteria. Without your saliva your mouth can become dry and you may also develop bad breath.

Why Does My Mouth Get Dry at Night?

There are many different factors that can contribute to a constant dry mouth. Some may be temporary, while others could be more serious. Here are some of the most common reasons for waking up with a dry mouth.

Mouth Breathing

Mouth breathing can be caused by a few different factors. Something as simple as a stuffy nose can cause you to breathe through your mouth at night. On the other hand, more serious or permanent problems like snoring or obstructive sleep apnea can cause you to mouth breath and develop a dry mouth over night. It’s important to consult a doctor in the event that it may be sleep apnea as this can be life threatening.

Tobacco & Alcohol

Smoking and drinking are never a healthy choice, but especially if you’re looking to avoid dry mouth. Tobacco can alter your salivary flow, and as you likely know is very bad for your overall health. Drinking is also unhealthy, but in terms of giving you dry mouth alcohol is acidic and can dehydrate you which can lead to it when you wake up after drinking. Furthermore, if your natural mouthwash contains alcohol, you could notice dry mouth too!

Medications

Medications are a very common reason to wake up with dry mouth, here are just some of the types of medications that can cause you to have a dry mouth, especially when you wake up:

• sinus condition medications
• high blood pressure medications
• anxiety and depression prescriptions
• diarrhea medications
• medicine used to help with nausea and vomiting

Be Sure To Brush!

If you’re experiencing dry mouth when you wake up it's crucial that you are brushing your teeth and flossing as soon as you wake up! As we mentioned before bacteria are able to grow when your mouth is dry because there is less saliva to wash it away.

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