Do you wake up with a dry mouth? 5 causes that could be behind it

Have you ever woken up to severe dryness in your mouth that feels extremely uncomfortable? If your answer is ‘yes’ and it’s a regular occurrence, you definitely need to understand the reason behind it. 

Xerostomia is the medical term for dry mouth. It generally results from a lack of saliva in your mouth. Also known as hyposalivation, this condition makes it difficult to even talk and swallow. 

The condition is usually caused by specific reasons and while most causes behind it are not serious, you do need to know why it’s happening in order to find relief. Here are 5 of the most common causes of xerostomia:

1. You’re on certain medications

Certain medications can cause dry mouth. Medication for anxiety, depression, pain and muscle relaxation often can lead to dry mouth. If you’ve been experiencing this after you started taking a new medicine, it is best to speak with your doctor and ask them for advice.

2. You are breathing from the mouth

Breathing from the mouth, especially when you’re asleep, is one of the most common causes of hyposalivation. If you happen to be on this team, it is best to change this habit or find the reason behind why you feel more comfortable breathing through the mouth.

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Moreover, you are more likely to wake up with a dry mouth if you snore, according to a study published in the Journal of Sleep Research.

3. You’ve been smoking and/or drinking

Smoking doesn’t just have a negative impact on lung function but it can also lead to reduced saliva production which can cause dry mouth. A study published in the Journal of Dental Research, Dental Clinics, Dental Prospects found that a considerable 39 per cent of the tobacco smokers reported experiencing dry mouth. Moreover, alcohol is dehydrating in nature and can also lead to dry mouth.

4. You’re dehydrated

If you aren’t drinking enough water, your body gets dehydrated and so does your mouth. So, make sure you are drinking at least 8 glasses of water every day.

5. You have diabetes

You might have dry mouth because of a high blood sugar level, or the medications that you are taking for it. So, make sure you are keeping your diabetes in control and checking up with your doctors regularly to manage the symptoms better.

Dry mouth can cause discomfort but it is a condition you can resolve by figuring out the reason behind it. Fix an appointment with your doctor soon!