Waking up with a dry mouth most likely means you breathe through your mouth while you sleep. There are other factors that can contribute to waking up with a dry mouth including health conditions, a lack of salivation, and a poorly ventilated sleeping environment.
Dry mouth can indicate other health issues and has an additional risk of damaging teeth and gums. Since saliva plays a key role in oral hygiene, a lack in mouth can lead to increased bacteria and a higher risk for cavities and gum infections.
Mouth-Breathing and Dry Mouth
People who breathe through their mouth while sleeping are unable to produce saliva since air is constantly being passed through their mouth. It is likely people in this category also suffer from snoring.
A study conducted in 2006 that involved over 1,000 participants and was reported in the Journal of Sleep Research said 16.4% of participants who snored also reported waking with a dry mouth.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Warning
Waking up with a dry mouth and mouth breathing is even more concerning since it can indicate a greater concern of having Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA causes your throat to relax and block the airway causing you to stop breathing and subsequently start again during sleep.
A study conducted in 2006 also reported over a third of snorers and of those, OSA was confirmed and they reported waking up with a dry mouth. While mouth breathing and snoring may seem harmless, they are indicative of other health risks.
Connection to Heart Disease
Though usually associated with tiredness and broken rest, both sleep apnea and snoring are being linked to cardiovascular illness. Sleep apnea and snoring both contribute to hypertension, which is harmful to blood vessels and the heart.
According to studies conducted at Michigan Medicine, those who snore are 30% more likely to suffer from hypertension compared to non-snorers.
Other research, including a 2020 NIH study, notes that patients who experience dry mouth during the night are diagnosed with sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (SAHS), breathing shallowly during sleep.
Identifying the source of mouth-breathing is critical because it can result from any number of conditions, not just OSA. A person may mouth-breathe if they have a deviated septum or persistent nasal obstruction.
Common Causes of Dry Mouth
Medications
Some patients, especially those who take several medications (like pain medications, antihistamines, or antidepressants), may have dry mouths in the morning. It’s especially crucial that patients on such drugs speak with their physicians regarding the risks of dry mouth, including heart disease.
Underlying Health Conditions
When someone regularly wakes up with a dry mouth, it can indicate other issues, like diabetes or acid reflux. If dry mouth is caused by chronic disorders, it usually lasts throughout the day, so it’s worth noting if the problem is chronic or if it’s primarily nocturnal.
Dehydration
It is a natural phenomenon for saliva to decrease during the night due to a natural decrease in the rate of metabolism during sleep. Dehydration further aggravates this condition.
After 9 p.m., most people stay away from drinking too much to avoid the discomfort of a long waking night due to nature calls. This dehydration can even lead to a deficiency of water in the body. Combined with a decrease in saliva, dehydration can lead to a dry mouth in the morning.
Alcohol Consumption
Dehydration can also occur due to drinking alcoholic beverages. Alcohol increases the frequency of going to the bathroom.
Bedroom Environment
With dry mouth, there may be problems in the dry environment of the room, such as ceiling fans, air conditioning and heating.
How To Treat Morning Dry Mouth
Dry mouth can be remedied with simple changes and a doctor’s consultation.
Recommended Solutions
Improve Your Bedroom
Consider purchasing a humidifier. You can also achieve comfort with the ceiling fan and air conditioning set at a lower circulation level.
Reduce Alcohol Intake
Reduce your alcohol intake before bed to minimize dehydration.
Stay Hydrated
Drink more water throughout the day and before bed.
Try Nasal Strips
Try nasal strips to enhance breathing through your nose.
Consult Your Doctor
Consult your doctor regarding your breathing habits to see if there are any underlying disorders that cause mouth-breathing. Inquire regarding the dry mouth meds and if they can cause dry mouth.
See Your Dentist
Discuss your dry mouth with your dentist in order to prevent oral problems like gum disease. A dry mouth can cause an increase in plaque and tartar build up, increasing the frequency of dental cleanings.
Concerned About Dry Mouth?
If you’re experiencing persistent dry mouth or related symptoms, our dental team can help identify the cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.