Why Is My Mouth Dry at Night? 4 Dry Mouth Relief for Immediate Comfort

If you find your mouth dry at night or suffer from persistent dry mouth, despite your best efforts to stay hydrated, you’re not alone. Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition that happens when the body fails to produce enough saliva to keep the mouth moist. Some may use home remedies, such as a dry mouth spray, for temporary relief or ask their healthcare providers for medications to manage the symptoms.

Prevalence of Xerostomia

According to the American Dental Association, xerostomia is prevalent in approximately 22% of the global population, with previous studies estimating that it is found in 10-33% of women and 10-26% of men. Additionally, the ADA states that this problem is more frequently reported among older people (affecting 30% of individuals older than 65).

Side Effects of Dry Mouth

Saliva is vital for keeping our mouths moist as well as preventing bacteria and fungi. As such, having xerostomia can impede a patient’s overall quality of life. Here are some of the most common symptoms of this condition:

• Difficulty Eating and Drinking

When your mouth does not produce enough saliva, chewing and swallowing can become an uncomfortable or painful experience. Xerostomia can also affect one’s sense of taste, making the simple acts of eating and drinking feel less enjoyable.

• Difficulty Breathing at Night

Some individuals wake up with a dry mouth at night. If this is the case with you, it’s worth mentioning to your doctor.

• Difficulty Speaking

Talking can be challenging due to throat soreness and voice hoarseness caused by xerostomia. Using a dry mouth spray may offer short-term relief for those experiencing this.

Common Relief for Dry Mouth

There are ways to manage and relieve dry mouth symptoms. Here are a few practices that may help soothe your throat and manage any discomfort caused by xerostomia:

1. Nutritional Support

Xerostomia can cause chewing and swallowing difficulties, but adjusting one’s diet may provide relief. For example, licensed dietitians may offer recipes for homemade shakes.  They may also suggest other liquid nutrition tailored to the patient’s specific nutrient needs. Education about how to modify food textures, including avoiding coarse food and incorporating liquids, can also be valuable to those who suffer from dry mouth.

2. Maintain good oral hygiene

Having a dry mouth can increase your chances of getting cavities and other oral infections. To prevent dental problems caused by xerostomia, dentists may recommend medications that help stimulate the salivary glands. To prevent possible infections, remember to brush your teeth after each meal and at bedtime.

3. Stay Hydrated

If you have an extremely parched mouth, drinking water regularly is essential. Make sure to keep a bottle of water near you at all times. Take sips throughout the day to moisten your mouth.

4. Use a Dry Mouth Spray for Short-Term Relief

If you need immediate relief from xerostomia symptoms, using a dry mouth spray can help. With just a few spritzes, a dry mouth spray moisturizes your mouth by stimulating saliva flow, leaving you feeling refreshed and soothed. A dry mouth spray can also help freshen breath and fight malodor. Consider using a dry mouth spray with xylitol, a sugar substitute that increases saliva production.

Get Relief for Dry Mouth

You deserve to live your life to the fullest without a dry mouth. For short-term relief, a dry mouth spray such as the one offered by PRO-SYS can be of assistance. Designed to promote saliva flow, this dry mouth spray with xylitol can help soothe any temporary and sudden discomfort caused by xerostomia. Take charge of your oral health today!