The only way to know?
Start thinking about your other symptoms.
We have a feeling this will help you narrow down the cause.
Youre dehydrated
This is one of the most obvious causes, butdehydration when waking upisnt really a big deal.
After all, you just went seven or eight hours without having any water.
If that solves the problem, mild dehydration was probably the culprit, Dr. Wu says.
dentist and co-owner of Brooklyn Mint Dental
Youre breathing through your mouth
Mouth breathing vs. nose breathing: Which one is better for you?
These may require surgery to correct.
You snore or have sleep apnea
An extremely dry mouth while sleeping could mean youre snoring at night.
Snoring happens when the flow of air through your mouth and nose is partially blocked.
That disrupts your breathing, which dries out your mouth, Dr. Wu says.
Youre taking certain medications
Theres a whole host of meds that can make your mouth dry.
And of course, never make a medication change without your doctors guidance.
Its the mouthwash you use
A quick swish of mouthwash can give your mouth that fresh, tingly feeling.
But mouthwashes that have alcohol can dry you out.
dentist and co-owner of Brooklyn Mint Dental
So if you use it before bed, you might feel parched throughout the night or in the morning.
Trade your alcohol-based mouthwash for one thats alcohol-free, likeListerine Cool Mint Zero Alcohol.
You could also try a mouthwash made specifically for dry mouth, likeACT Dry Mouth Mouthwash.
If youre unsure about what to use, ask your dentist about good rinses for dry mouth.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
Alcohol is a diuretic that increases fluid loss, so it temporarily dehydrates you, notes theMayo Clinic.
If you smoke, talk to your doctor for advice on quitting.
You have diabetes
Waking up with a dry mouth isnt just about what happens during sleep.
Your overall health plays a role, too, Dr. Wu says.
This is often why people with diabetes feel increased thirst.
This might include eating a well-balanced diet with less carbohydrates or ultra-processed foods, or taking medications like insulin.
They can help you come up with some relief options.
This can be due to a salivary gland blockage, or an autoimmune disorder like Sjogrens disease.
Youre pregnant
If youre pregnant waking up with dry mouth, youre not imagining things.
Dry mouth from pregnancy will likely ease up after you give birth and your hormones get back to baseline.
Because there are so many possible culprits, start by seeing your doctor.
But if you wonder why do I wake up with a dry throat every day?
FAQ
What deficiency causes dry mouth at night?
Ask your doctor if taking vitamin supplements to solve any deficiencies is right for you.
Is it normal to wake up with a mouth full of saliva every morning?
Is it okay to breathe through your mouth while sleeping?
This is why treating any underlying congestion or conditions that lead to clogged nasal passages is important.
Talk to your doctor if you think this is your case.
J Clin Exp Dent.
2020 Aug 1;12(8):e708-e712.
PMID: 32913565; PMCID: PMC7474945.
J Dent Res Dent Clin Dent Prospects.
2010 Fall;4(4):110-4. doi: 10.5681/joddd.2010.028.
Epub 2010 Dec 21.
PMID: 23346336; PMCID: PMC3429961.
Gil-Montoya JA, Rivero-Blanco T, Leon-Rios X, Exposito-Ruiz M, Perez-Castillo I, Aguilar-Cordero MJ.
Oral and general health conditions involved in periodontal status during pregnancy: a prospective cohort study.
2023 Dec;308(6):1765-1773. doi: 10.1007/s00404-022-06843-3.
Epub 2022 Dec 13.
PMID: 36512113; PMCID: PMC10579146.
J Clin Diagn Res.
2013 Jan;7(1):178-80. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2012/5104.2702.
Epub 2013 Jan 1.
PMID: 23449967; PMCID: PMC3576783.
…
Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.
