29 May How to Fight Dry Mouth While You Sleep
Do you often wake up with a dry mouth? Does it bother you throughout the night? Are you struggling with staying asleep because your mouth is parched? The feeling of having a dry mouth is horribly unpleasant. And it can be bad for your oral health, too! So if you find yourself constantly waking up with a dry mouth, what do you do about it? Let’s look at a few simple steps that may help.
What Causes Dry Mouth?
From side effects of medications to sleep apnea to mild dehydration, there are many reasons for chronic dry mouth. One of the main causes is breathing through your mouth when you’re asleep. Mouth breathing has been linked to bad breath, cavities, and gum disease. But what can you do about it?
Beware of Harmful Advice
Let’s spend a minute discussing the popular TikTok trend of taping your mouth shut while sleeping. The answer here is short: don’t do it!
Take it from your dentist, this is a bad idea. When you have trouble breathing through your mouth while you’re asleep, it’s a real concern. Taping your mouth shut instead of seeking real help for this issue can make your sleep issues worse and cause other problems as well.
Mouth breathing at night can be caused by sleep apnea, allergies, sinus infections, and other health concerns. So don’t tape your mouth shut—talk to your doctor so you can get the treatment you need.
Use Mouthwash Before Bed for Treating Dry Mouth
Using a mouth rinse before bed can help keep your mouth hydrated throughout the night. Swish the mouthwash for at least 30 seconds. Avoid drinking water afterward in order to allow the ingredients to work more effectively through the night. Consistent use will give the best results.
Look for a mouthwash that’s specially formulated for people with dry mouth. Mouthwash helps retain moisture in the mouth without causing irritation or dryness. The Mayo Clinic recommends Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse and ACT Dry Mouth. But if you can’t find those brands, make sure the mouthwash you choose is alcohol-free and sugar-free. Xylitol, a natural sweetener found in plants, promotes saliva production and also helps reduce the risk of cavities.
Humid Air Will Help You Breathe Easier at Night
One thing you can do to help fight dry mouth at night is to place a humidifier next to your bed. Position it as close to the head of your bed as possible, leave it on full blast, and close your bedroom door. This will moisturize the air in your room and keep your nasal passages and mouth from drying out.
Be sure to clean your humidifier regularly, too! A dirty water tank can grow mold and harbor bacteria that could cause flu-like symptoms, sinus infections, headaches, or illness. It’s not advised to use essential oils in your humidifier, either. The American Lung Association warns against it. This is because not everyone reacts the same. Some people, particularly those with asthma, can have severe adverse reactions. It’s best to use purified water alone.
Talk to Your Dentist About Treatment for Dry Mouth
Are you still waking up with a dry, uncomfortable mouth even after trying mouthwash before bed or using a humidifier? Persistent dry mouth can do more than disrupt your sleep. It may also point to underlying health issues like sleep apnea. Don’t wait to get answers—call Saba & Chiappetti Dental Associates in Sun Lakes today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation so you can find real, lasting relief.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (04.18.2025). Photo by Engin Akyurt on Pexels.