Waking up with a dry or parched mouth is incredibly uncomfortable. If you’ve ever experienced this, you know that it can feel as if you haven’t brushed your teeth in forever. Let’s take a closer look at why dry mouth happens and how you can prevent it in the future.
Causes of Dry Mouth
When you don’t salivate enough to keep your mouth moist, you may face dry mouth. Dry mouth is typically the result of a medication side effect, stress, hormonal changes such as pregnancy and menopause, chronic medical conditions such as arthritis or diabetes, and salivary gland disease.
How to Reduce the Risk of Dry Mouth
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of waking up with a dry or parched mouth. The most important tip is to stay hydrated the night before. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids throughout the day and incorporate broths or sauces into your meals. You can also brush and floss your teeth on a regular basis and examine your mouth daily for any sores or inflammation.
If you wear dentures, get into the habit of removing them overnight and soaking them in a cleansing solution. You may also want to speak to your dentist about a prescription strength toothpaste that is specifically formulated for those with dry mouth.
Contact Costa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
If you wake up with dry mouth frequently, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at our office today by calling 703-439-1214. We can check your mouth and provide you with suggestions on how to treat and prevent this issue.