Dry Mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition where the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. Saliva is vital for oral health, helping to wash away food particles, neutralize acids, and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

While Dry Mouth can happen at any time, it frequently occurs at night. An absence of saliva during sleep not only causes discomfort but may also disturb rest and increase the risk of oral health issues. If left unchecked, Dry Mouth can make it harder to swallow, chew, or speak, and can lead to persistent bad breath and a higher chance of cavities.

Symptoms of Dry Mouth at Night

• Persistent dry or sticky feeling in the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing, chewing, or speaking
• Thick, stringy saliva
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Sore throat or hoarseness
• Increased thirst
• Burning or cracked tongue
• Rough or white tongue
• Cracked lips and mouth sores

What Causes Dry Mouth While Sleeping?

Mouth Breathing

Mouth breathing is one of the most common causes of Dry Mouth at night. It often stems from sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Snoring and blocked nasal passages due to allergies, illness, or dry air can also force you to breathe through your mouth, reducing saliva flow.

CPAP Machine

A CPAP machine helps treat sleep apnea by delivering a steady stream of air. However, that same airflow can dry out the inside of your mouth, leaving you with morning Dry Mouth symptoms.

Dehydration

Your body needs proper hydration to produce saliva. Dehydration may happen if you don’t drink enough water, lose fluids faster than you replenish them, or sleep in a room with very dry air caused by heating or air conditioning.

Medications

Hundreds of common medications list Dry Mouth as a side effect, including treatments for high blood pressure, allergies, depression, and anxiety. If you notice worsening nighttime Dry Mouth after starting a new medication, consult your healthcare provider.

How to Manage Nighttime Dry Mouth

Stay Hydrated

Drink water throughout the day and shortly before bedtime. Staying properly hydrated helps your salivary glands function and reduces the risk of waking up with Dry Mouth.

Use OraCoat® XyliMelts®

OraCoat® XyliMelts® are oral-adhering discs that stick to your gums or teeth to provide long-lasting, convenient relief from Dry Mouth symptoms. Made with xylitol, they slowly release moisture while stimulating saliva flow, especially during sleep when saliva production is lowest.

• Lasts 4 to 8 hours for overnight relief
• Adheres comfortably with stick-on™ melts technology
• Neutralizes acids and is pH buffered to protect teeth
• Freshens breath while reducing dryness

By coating and moisturizing the mouth, OraCoat® XyliMelts® help relieve the sticky dryness, thirst, and discomfort that come with Dry Mouth at night.

Practice Effective Oral Hygiene

Good oral care helps protect your teeth and gums against the effects of Dry Mouth. Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and use a tongue scraper to reduce bacteria buildup. Don’t forget routine dental checkups.

Try Home Remedies

• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your bedroom
• Add a heated humidifier or heated tubing to your CPAP to reduce dryness
• Use nasal strips to encourage nose breathing instead of mouth breathing
• Ensure your CPAP mask fits properly by consulting a medical professional

   

Make Lifestyle Changes

Avoid foods and habits that make Dry Mouth worse. Acidic and spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco can all dry out the mouth. Review your medications with your doctor to see if any adjustments are possible.

Dry Mouth at night is more than an annoyance, it can affect your sleep and your oral health. Common causes include mouth breathing, CPAP use, dehydration, and medications. Staying hydrated, practicing good oral hygiene, and using effective treatments like OraCoat® XyliMelts® can help keep your mouth moist and comfortable while you sleep.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional before changing your medication routine or starting a new treatment.