Mr Roy has been suffering from sleep deprivation for the last couple of months. He started taking sleeping pills with the thought that work stress could be the reason. But eventually, every night he had to wake up feeling thirsty. Finally, after missing the flight to Amsterdam, he realised it was time to visit a healthcare professional.
There he came to know about dry mouth and sleeping pills became just another added reason for causing it!
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, can be uncomfortable and concerning. If your mouth becomes dry at night, it is medically termed nocturnal xerostomia. This common issue can disrupt your sleep and affect your oral health.
When you face this issue contact the best dental clinic in Kolkata to improve the quality of your life. A dry mouth is a condition when your mouth does not produce enough saliva while sleeping. Often this leads to oral health issues like tooth decay or gum disease.
Let’s explore the causes and effective management strategies of dry mouth-
Causes of Xerostomia at Night-
- Dehydration- If the water intake is inadequate during the day, saliva production is reduced at night.
- Mouth Breathing– Nasal congestion or sleep apnea causes dry mouth. It involves breathing through the mouth while sleeping and drying out your oral tissues.
- Medication-Antihistamines, antidepressants, and diuretics are certain medications that can cause dry mouth, particularly at night.
- Aging-As you age your saliva production decreases, making you prone to dry mouth.
- Medical Conditions– Issues like diabetes, or radiation therapy for cancers reduce saliva flow becoming a major cause of dry mouth.
- Lifestyle Factors-Consuming tobacco and alcohol can increase dry mouth symptoms.
Saliva is essential for oral health.
Let’s see why saliva matters-
Saliva helps in digestion, keeping your mouth moist, and preventing tooth decay by neutralizing acids thatare produced by bacteria.
If you are suffering from a lack of saliva, it can lead to
- Difficulty in swallowing and speaking.
- Increase the risk of cavities.
- Experiencing bad breath.
- Causing oral infections, such as thrush.
Here, we have some tips for you to manage your dry mouth at night-
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day. During the night you can keep a glass of water by your bedside to sip for your dry mouth treatment.
- Adding a humidifier or moisture to the air in your bedroom can prevent your mouth from drying out.
- If you suffer from nasal congestion or sleep apnea you can use nasal strips, decongestants, or consult a sleep specialist to overcome your mouth breathing habit.
- If you are on medication understand whether it is responsible for your dry mouth or not. You can discuss with the dentist at the best dental clinic in Kolkata about the dosage and timings of your medicines to prevent dry mouth.
- Always practice good oral hygiene for your dry mouth treatment. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, and use alcohol-free mouthwash. These products act as saliva substitutes.
- Remember to avoid consuming alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine close to your bedtime.
- You can use gum or sugar-free lozenges to stimulate your saliva production.
- If you have a consistent dry mouth experience, consult the best dentist in Kolkata to identify the root cause behind it.
Dry mouth can play a significant reason behind your oral health issues. If you experience difficulty in swallowing or signs of oral infections, immediately consult the dentist of the best dental clinic in Tollygunge for a thorough evaluation.
At first, you may find it like a minor inconvenience, but addressing it at an early stage can improve your overall well-being, protecting your oral health.
Stay hydrated, adopt good habits, and seek professional advice when required.
It is not always stress that interrupts your sleep!
To manage your dry mouth effectively visit https://whitezone.in/the best dental clinic in Kolkata and enjoy an uninterrupted sleep.