Dry mouth at night? symptoms, causes and how to prevent it

Dry mouth or xerostomia refers to a disorder in which the salivary glands in the mouth do not produce enough saliva to keep the mouth moist.

“Xerostomia or dry mouth syndrome is a complex disorder characterized by decreased saliva production, which causes a permanent sensation of dry mouth and, sometimes, burning,” explains the General Council of Dentists of Spain .

Bernard J. Hennessy, Physician at Texas A&M University, College of Dentistry, noted that this disorder can cause discomfort, affect speech and swallowing, make it difficult to wear dentures, cause bad breath (halitosis) and worsen oral hygiene causing a decrease in the acidity of the mouth and an increase in bacterial growth, which contributes to the appearance of cavities.

On the other hand, some diseases such as salivary gland disorders, Sjögren’s syndrome, HIV / AIDS and diabetes can also cause dry mouth, according to the specialized health portal Medline Plus.

Diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome, HIV/AIDS and diabetes can also cause dry mouth, – Foto: Getty Images

Causes of dry mouth at night

• Some diseases such as Parkinson’s, arthritis and diabetes.
• Taking antidepressant, antihistamine or high blood pressure medications.
• Disorders such as anxiety, anorexia nervosa or depression.
• Patients who are receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy. 40% of patients receiving chemotherapy have dry mouth at night, according to the American Cranioencephalic and Dental Research Institute.
• smoking.
• The consumption of alcohol, since it produces dryness of the oral mucous membranes.

Causes of dry mouth in general

cancer therapy

• Chemotherapy drugs can change the nature of saliva and the amount produced.
• This may be temporary and normal salivary flow returns following treatment is completed. Radiation therapy treatments to the head and neck can damage the salivary glands, causing a marked decrease in saliva production.

Medicines

• Hundreds of medications, including many over-the-counter medications, have dry mouth as a side effect.
• Some of the most likely types that can cause problems are medications used to treat depression, high blood pressure, and anxiety, as well as some antihistamines, decongestants, muscle relaxants, and pain relievers.

Aging

• Many older people experience dry mouth as they age.
• Some contributing factors include using certain medications, changes in the body’s ability to process medications, eating poorly, and having long-term health problems.

Tobacco and alcohol use

recreational drug use

• Using methamphetamine can cause severe dryness of the mouth and damage to the teeth, a condition also known as “meth mouth.”
• Marijuana can also cause dry mouth.

nerve injury

• An injury or surgery that damages the nerves in the head and neck area can cause dry mouth.

Symptoms

In addition to dry mouth, patients often have these symptoms associated with this pathology, according to the United States Institute of Dental and Cranioencephalic Research:

• Mouth sores.
• Bad breath or halitosis.
• infection in the mouth
• Dry and rough tongue.
• Chapped lips.
• Burning sensation in the mouth.
• Trouble swallowing, tasting, chewing, or speaking.
• sticky mouth

How to avoid it?

• The treatment depends on the cause. What is recommended is taking frequent sips of water or sugar-free beverages, avoiding caffeinated beverages, tobacco, and alcohol, and chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free hard candy.
• Use mouthwashes, as they fight bacteria and promote salivation.
• Do not eat spicy or salty foods, as they can aggravate the discomfort of dry mouth.
• Keep the spaces of the house moist with a humidifier.