After a long day, all you really want is to get some rest and a good night’s sleep. It is important that you are comfortable in every way when it is time to put your head on your pillow and you do not want any interruptions. Dry mouth is one of those things that can ruin a good night’s rest because you will wake up parched and you may not be able to fall back asleep. If you suffer from dry mouth, you know how frustrating it is because not only will it affect your sleep, in some cases, it can even lead to problems with your teeth or lead to gum disease if left untreated.
Dry mouth is a symptom caused by different conditions like smoking, aging, and medication use, for example. These conditions can lead to a lack of saliva resulting in the dry mouth which causes thirst, bad breath, chapped lips, sticky mouth and a burning sensation in your mouth and on your tongue. The good news is that there are things you can do to help prevent it, including:
Drink lots of water! Do not stop drinking throughout the day so that you are hydrated and can sleep better at night without having to wake up from dehydration.
Suck on mints or chew sugar-free gum to help increase your saliva.
Use products that are specifically intended for those who suffer from dry mouth. This includes toothpaste, mouthwash, and rinses. Brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste will also help prevent dry mouth while you sleep.
Try to avoid spicy foods as well as acidic meals which will make the situation a lot worse.
If you smoke, this is a great opportunity to quit! It will help with your dry mouth condition as well as your health.
Try not to drink anything with caffeine in it leading up to your bedtime.
Get a humidifier for your bedside to help add moisture to the air which will help you breathe better and prevent dryness.
Limit your alcohol consumption.
Have a cold bottle of water on your nightstand every night in case you wake up dehydrated and need a cold drink right away.
Discuss this matter with your doctor and dentist to see what can be done.
If you suffer from dry mouth and want to get the bottom of it, you should try talking to your doctor so that you can get to the root of your problem. If dry mouth is not treated properly, it will negatively affect your teeth and mouth. Forest Hill Family Dental wants to make sure your teeth are in good condition, so if you have any concerns regarding your teeth or gums, contact them today to maintain your beautiful smile!