Constant dry mouth: causes, consequences and prevention

Dry mouth is a feeling that is familiar to all of us. If dry mouth occurs constantly or frequently, it is necessary to understand the cause that is causing it and, if necessary, begin treatment. Elimination of dry mouth, as a rule, is achieved only as a result of treating the underlying disease, which should be the true goal. In any case, the feeling of dry mouth is another reason to pay attention to your health.

Dry mouth is caused by insufficient hydration of the oral mucosa, mostly due to insufficient saliva production. Quite often, dry mouth occurs in the morning or at night (that is, after sleep).

Indeed, often after drinking a glass of water we notice that the feeling of dry mouth has gone away. However, sometimes this symptom can be the “first sign” indicating problems in vital systems. In this case, dry mouth is a reason to consult a doctor. In medicine, dry mouth caused by the cessation or reduction of saliva production is called xerostomia.

Why is normal salivation so important?

Normal salivation is one of the key components of oral health. This is due to the fact that saliva performs a number of extremely important functions.

Content:

• Why is normal salivation so important?
• Why is xerostomia dangerous?
• Pathological causes of dry mouth
• Non-pathological causes of dry mouth
• Dry mouth during pregnancy
• Diagnosis of the causes of dry mouth
• Dry mouth combined with other symptoms
• How to deal with dry mouth

First of all, saliva helps protect the oral mucosa from ulcers and wounds that would otherwise occur during the process of chewing food. Saliva also neutralizes acids and bacteria that enter the oral cavity and helps dissolve taste irritants.

In addition, saliva takes part in the process of food digestion and is one of the protective factors that plays an important role in the process of remineralization of teeth.

How to treat

To solve the problem, you first need to find out the causes of dry mouth during sleep. This will require consultation with a therapist and dentist, who, in addition to the examination, may prescribe additional examinations, ranging from a general blood test to sialography - an x-ray of the salivary glands.

If the results show that nighttime dry mouth is associated with a specific disease, the main efforts should be directed to its treatment. As soon as the disease is defeated, the normal functioning of the salivary glands will be restored. Until this point, unpleasant symptoms can be relieved by artificially moisturizing the mucous membrane using saliva substitutes in the form of a gel or spray (Hyposalix, Xerostom, BioKstra, etc.). In parallel, local anti-inflammatory drugs are used to increase the resistance of the mucous membrane to irritants.

Also, for some autoimmune diseases and persistent dry mouth caused by taking drugs for cancer treatment, patients may be prescribed stimulants for saliva production that affect the nervous system (Pilocarpine, Evoxac, etc.)

Do you need professional help?

If you feel dry mouth every night, you should not put off visiting a doctor, because it may be a symptom of a serious illness.

The secretion of saliva in sufficient quantities is necessary not only to wet the oral mucosa, but also to maintain the acid-base balance, remove food particles from teeth and gums, prevent enamel destruction, and even fight pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, when the tongue sticks to the roof of the mouth every morning, it is unlikely that it will be possible to solve the problem without the help of a specialist, especially if dry mouth is accompanied by other alarming symptoms:

• general weakness, lethargy;
• bad breath, even immediately after brushing your teeth;
• frequent bouts of coughing, sore throat and sore throat;
• discomfort during swallowing and speaking;
• nausea, vomiting;
• increased temperature;
• loss of orientation in space.

Why is xerostomia dangerous?

Poor saliva production, leading to a feeling of dry mouth, is a serious problem. There can be a huge number of reasons for it, as well as solutions. Xerostomia, as evidence shows, is more often diagnosed in women than in the stronger sex.

The one-time feeling of dry mouth is indeed most likely caused by some subjective factors: thirst, uncomfortable temperature conditions, errors in the diet. However, if dry mouth occurs regularly, it is still not worth fighting the discomfort solely by drinking more fluids. Insufficient salivation in this case may indicate serious problems in the body, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms.

So, you should be wary of the “stickiness” of saliva, a strange sensation that if you keep your mouth closed for a long time, your tongue seems to stick to the roof of your mouth. Dry mouth, accompanied by burning and itching, roughness of the tongue and redness, is also a cause for concern. A doctor should be consulted if a person, in addition to dryness of the oral mucosa, complains of problems with the perception of taste, swallowing or chewing. In this case, it is not recommended to delay medical consultation.

Note that dry mouth is not as harmless as it might seem. For example, it significantly increases the risk of developing gingivitis and stomatitis and can lead to dysbiosis of the oral cavity.

To date, experts cannot offer us a detailed classification and a complete list of possible causes of dry mouth. Nevertheless, doctors conventionally divide all causes of dryness of the oral mucosa into pathological and non-pathological.

The first group of reasons indicates a disease that requires therapy. As for the reasons that are not pathologies of character, they are associated, first of all, with a person’s lifestyle.

General information about the problem

Repeated dryness of the tongue and mouth for several days in a row requires a search for the causes of changes in the body. Ignoring the alarm call can develop into a serious problem with a long course of therapy. If the source of unpleasant symptoms is dehydration, lack of vitamins or changes in climatic conditions, then replenishing lost fluid, a course of vitamin therapy and the use of specialized humidifiers come to the rescue.

Pathological sources of dry mouth can provoke throat diseases, destruction of tooth enamel, and ulcerations on mucous tissues. You should not ignore the deviation - a timely visit to a medical facility will allow you to get rid of the pathology in a short period of time.

Pathological causes of dry mouth

The feeling of dry mouth can be associated with serious pathologies in the body. For some of them, xerostomia is one of the main symptoms, for others it is only a concomitant manifestation. At the same time, it is impossible to list absolutely all diseases without exception that can cause problems with salivation. Therefore, in this article we will only talk about those for which dry mouth is one of the key signs.

Pathologies of the salivary glands

The most common problem of the salivary glands is their inflammation. This may be mumps (inflammation of the parotid salivary gland) or sialadenitis (inflammation of any other salivary gland).

Sialadenitis can be an independent disease or develop as a complication or manifestation of another pathology. The inflammatory process can involve one gland, two symmetrically located glands, or multiple lesions are possible.

Sialadenitis develops, usually as a result of infection, which can enter the gland through the ducts, lymph or blood. Non-infectious sialadenitis can develop due to poisoning with salts of heavy metals.

Inflammation of the salivary gland is manifested by pain that radiates to the ear from the affected side, difficulty swallowing, a sharp decrease in salivation and, as a result, dry mouth. Upon palpation, local swelling can be detected in the area of ​​the salivary gland.

Treatment is prescribed by a doctor. Most often, therapy includes antiviral or antibacterial drugs; novocaine blockades, massage, and physiotherapy can be used.

Infectious diseases

Few people thought that dry mouth could be one of the signs of the onset of influenza, sore throat or acute respiratory viral infection. These diseases are accompanied by increased body temperature and excessive sweating. If the patient does not replenish fluid in the body sufficiently, he may experience dry mouth.

Endocrine diseases

Insufficient salivation may also indicate endocrine disruption. Thus, many patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes complain of constant dry mouth combined with severe thirst and increased urination.

The cause of the above symptoms is high blood glucose levels. Its excess provokes dehydration of the body, which manifests itself, among other things, in xerostomia.

To alleviate the symptoms of the disease, it is imperative to resort to complex treatment. Sugar levels should be carefully monitored using a glucometer, and you should also follow the schedule of taking medications prescribed by your endocrinologist. Fluid intake plays a special role. You should drink decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs, which help lower glucose levels and increase body tone.

Salivary gland injuries

Xerostomia can occur with traumatic disorders of the sublingual, parotid or submandibular glands. This kind of injury can provoke the formation of tears in the gland, which can lead to a decrease in salivation.

Sjögren's syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome or disease is a disease that is manifested by the so-called triad of symptoms: dryness and a feeling of “sand” in the eyes, xerostomia and some kind of autoimmune disease.

This pathology can occur in people of different ages, but more than 90% of patients are representatives of the fairer sex of the middle and elderly age group.

To date, doctors have not been able to find out either the causes of this pathology or the mechanisms of its occurrence. Researchers suggest that an autoimmune factor plays a major role. Genetic predisposition is also important, since Sjogren's syndrome is often diagnosed in close relatives. Be that as it may, a malfunction occurs in the body, as a result of which the lacrimal and salivary glands are infiltrated by B and T lymphocytes.

In the early stages of the disease, dry mouth appears periodically. As the disease progresses, the discomfort becomes almost constant and intensifies with excitement and prolonged conversation. Dryness of the oral mucosa in Sjögren's syndrome is also accompanied by burning and soreness of the lips, a hoarse voice and rapidly progressing caries.

Cracks may appear in the corners of the mouth, and the submandibular or parotid salivary glands may become enlarged.

Dehydration

Since saliva is one of the physiological fluids of the body, its insufficient production can be caused by excessive losses of other fluids. For example, the oral mucosa can dry out due to acute diarrhea, vomiting, internal and external bleeding, burns, and a sharp increase in body temperature.

Gastrointestinal diseases

Dry mouth combined with bitterness, nausea and a white coating on the tongue may indicate a disease of the gastrointestinal tract. These may be signs of biliary dyskinesia, duodenitis, pancreatitis, gastritis and cholecystitis.

In particular, the oral mucosa often dries out at the first manifestations of pancreatitis. This is a highly insidious disease that can develop almost unnoticed over a long period of time. With exacerbation of pancreatitis, flatulence, attacks of pain, and intoxication develop.

Hypotension

Dry mouth combined with dizziness is a common sign of hypotension. In this case, the cause is poor circulation, which affects the condition of all organs and glands.

When blood pressure drops, dry mouth and weakness usually occur in the mornings and evenings. Recommendations for people suffering from hypotension are usually given by therapists; medications will help normalize blood pressure and eliminate dry mouth.

Climax

Dry mouth and eyes, rapid heartbeat and dizziness can be symptoms of menopause in women. A decrease in the production of sex hormones affects the general condition. In particular, during this period all mucous membranes begin to dry out. To stop the manifestation of this symptom, the doctor prescribes a variety of hormonal and non-hormonal drugs, sedatives, vitamins and other medications.

Note that all of the above diseases are serious, and drying out of the oral mucosa is only one of their symptoms. Therefore, self-diagnosis for insufficient salivation is unacceptable. Only a specialist can determine the true cause of xerostomia after a series of diagnostic procedures.

Sources of deviation development

Abnormal symptoms may be caused by temporary changes in condition or indicate serious illness. Doctors distinguish two subgroups of reasons that may cause dry mouth during sleep.

The influence of irritants activates protective reactions, leading to dry mouth during night rest - this subgroup belongs to the physiological type of deviation. The pathological form is caused by a variety of diseases and requires searching for the source of the problem. It is impossible to solve it with standard methods of getting rid of dehydration - first you need to cure the disease.

Non-pathological sources of development

There are a number of reasons for the disruption of the normal state of the oral mucosa. Drying is provoked by the body's response to irritants. Inhibition of the activity of the salivary glands does not require specialized therapy; a change in the usual lifestyle is sufficient.

A few days with auxiliary means can eradicate the problem forever - provided that you follow the drinking rules. If the situation remains the same, then the patient needs professional help.

Discomfort in the stomach area can be caused by various reasons, including changes in acidity levels. Diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases is carried out in medical institutions. Read more in the article: “how to test stomach acidity at home.”

Increased air dryness and dehydration

The problem is common in city apartments with central heating. Constant operation of radiators leads to a decrease in its level by up to 40%, a person begins to feel thirsty during sleep.

In most patients, dehydration is associated with insufficient fluid intake - less than 1.5 liters per day.

An insufficient amount of fluid in the body is caused by increased ambient or body temperature. Water loss occurs through vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, and severe burns. People who exercise intensely and do not replenish losses can suffer from dehydration.

Violation of nutrition rules

An excess of sweet and salty foods provokes changes in osmotic pressure and the removal of fluid at the cellular level. The feeling of thirst and drying out of the oral mucosa are provoked by:

• salty foods;
• chips, snacks, crackers;
• sweets, confectionery baked goods;
• coffee and coffee drinks.

Excessive consumption of caffeine leads to accelerated removal of fluid from the body. Addiction causes thirst at any time of the day - in the mornings, at night and during the daytime.

Acute and chronic intoxication

To remove toxic substances that have entered the body, a large amount of water is needed. Increased dryness occurs when drinking alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks. During the processing of ethyl alcohol, acetaldehyde is formed, which has a toxic effect.

Nicotine addiction is considered a common source of excessive dry mouth.

The same condition occurs after smoking tobacco products - excessive secretion of salivary secretions provokes drying out of the oral cavity. Toxins are excreted by the kidneys along with biological fluid.

Despite advanced technologies and highly qualified dentists, a damaged or diseased tooth cannot always be treated. To restore the integrity of the dentition, clasp prosthetics are increasingly used. Read more in the article: “choosing clasp dentures for teeth.”

Night snoring, stress, taking medications

Non-pathological types of xerostomia include the body’s reaction to taking certain medications. Non-standard manifestations occur during treatment:

• antidepressants;
• antihistamines;
• diuretics;
• NSAIDs and drugs to lower high blood pressure.

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Rochnopathy during sleep predisposes to increased thirst. Air entering the lungs passes through the mouth and nasal passages, causing excessive drying of the mucous membrane. The same clinical picture is observed under stress.

Avitaminosis, hypovitaminosis and toxicosis

Insufficient intake of vitamins, especially retinol, leads to keratinization of the oral mucosa. Individual particles of epithelium gradually clog the ducts of the salivary glands. Changes in hormonal levels during certain periods of life also disrupt the body’s water balance:

• gestation period;
• premenopause and menopause.

During pregnancy, increased thirst occurs due to toxicosis. Vomiting and nausea contribute to the accelerated removal of fluid from the body.

Pathological sources of development

Dry mouth at night during sleep can appear due to certain diseases. Difficulty breathing due to enlarged adenoids, rhinitis and inflammation of the sinuses becomes the reason why the patient constantly breathes through the mouth.

Diabetes

A dry tongue is the first sign of the development of the disease. Secondary signs of endocrine dysfunction are presented:

• frequent urination;
• weight loss - for no apparent reason;
• general weakness, attacks of dizziness.

The combination of these symptoms indicates serious problems in the functionality of the body. The patient needs a full diagnostic examination with blood donation to check blood glucose levels.

CNS diseases

Pathologies of the nervous system lead to problems regulating salivation. The main diseases include:

• Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease;
• trigeminal neuritis;
• cerebrovascular diseases.

Chronic circulatory failure in parts of the brain leads to impaired functionality of individual organs. Pathologies are more common in older patients who have crossed the 60-year mark.

Salivary gland dysfunction

An adult healthy person produces up to one and a half liters of salivary secretion daily. Disruption of the salivary glands is provoked by the following pathologies:

• Sjögren's disease;
• epidemic viral parotitis;
• tumors of malignant or benign etiology;

• salivary stone disease.

Symptoms of a lack of saliva are more pronounced when eating, when the glands must actively produce additional secretions.

Gastrointestinal pathologies

A whitish or yellowish coating on the tongue and dry mouth are the main signs of impaired functionality of the digestive tract. Changes in condition occur when:

• pancreatitis;
• gastroenteritis;
• cholecystitis;

• hepatitis A;
• gastroduodenal ulcers.

Biliary dyskinesia, combined with gallbladder diseases, has additional symptoms. A sign of pathology is considered to be a bitter taste and pain in the area of ​​the right hypochondrium.

Non-pathological causes of dry mouth

Non-pathological causes of dry mouth are most often associated with the lifestyle a person leads:

1. Xerostomia can be a sign of dehydration. Its cause in this case is a violation of the drinking regime. Most often, the oral mucosa dries out if a person drinks insufficient amounts of water at high ambient temperatures. In this case, the problem is very simple to solve - just drink plenty of fluids. Otherwise, serious consequences may occur.
2. Tobacco smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages are another possible cause of dry mouth. Many people are familiar with the unpleasant sensations in the oral cavity that appear the morning after a feast.
3. Xerostomia can result from the use of a number of medications. Thus, dry mouth is a side effect of psychotropic drugs, diuretics and antitumor drugs. Also, problems with salivation can be caused by drugs to lower blood pressure and antihistamines. As a rule, such an effect should not become a reason to completely stop taking the medication. The feeling of dryness should completely disappear after treatment is completed.
4. The oral mucosa can dry out when breathing through the mouth due to impaired nasal breathing. In this case, it is also recommended to drink more fluids and use vasoconstrictor drops to get rid of a runny nose as soon as possible.

Remedies

Dehydration of the oral cavity in the morning and night hours can be solved with home treatment methods. They do not get rid of the problem, but help reduce discomfort. Full therapy is possible only if the source of the pathological condition is detected.

Getting rid of dehydration

Drinking enough drinking water without additives or sweeteners will help restore balance at the cellular level. The recommended daily volume is at least 1.5 liters of non-carbonated liquid. The following are prohibited:

• tea;
• coffee and coffee drinks;
• carbonated sweet waters;
• energy.

With intense training and prolonged exposure to the sun, the amount of water increases to 2.5 liters, provided that the kidneys are functioning normally.

Changing your usual diet

Fruits and vegetables containing sufficient amounts of water, vitamins and minerals are included in the daily menu. Sour fruits provoke active secretion of salivary secretions. The following products are completely removed from the diet or reduced to reasonable limits:

• astringent fruits;
• salty, smoked, sweet;
• crackers, chips, snacks, crackers;
• sandwiches.

When digesting these species, the body consumes a large amount of liquid. Not all patients can replenish the lack of water due to working conditions and lifestyle.

Treatment of concomitant pathologies

A constantly stuffy nose and forced breathing through the mouth are considered the main causes of dry mucous membranes. Respiratory and colds are accompanied by rhinitis, which interferes with the natural flow of air.

When treating swollen nasal mucosa, it is recommended to use sprays and nasal drops.

Inhalations are carried out using special devices or the classical method: the patient breathes steam from a pan of hot potatoes, covering his head with a towel. Nebulizers are safer - when used, the likelihood of burning the skin and mucous membranes is reduced to zero. Mineral water and physiological solutions are poured into the apparatus and procedures are carried out.

Dry mouth during pregnancy

Often xerostomia develops in women during pregnancy. In them, a similar condition, as a rule, manifests itself in later stages and has several causes.

The three main reasons for dryness of the oral mucosa in pregnant women are increased sweating, increased urination and increased physical activity. In this case, xerostomia is compensated by drinking more.

Also, dry mouth can occur due to a lack of potassium or an excess of magnesium. If tests confirm an imbalance of microelements, appropriate therapy will come to the rescue.

Sometimes pregnant women complain of dry mouth combined with a metallic taste. Similar symptoms are typical for gestational diabetes. This disease is also called “diabetes mellitus in pregnancy.” The cause of gestational diabetes is the reduced sensitivity of cells to their own insulin, triggered by changes in hormonal levels during pregnancy. This is a serious condition that should prompt tests to determine the exact level of glucose in your blood.

General recommendations

Those who often suffer from dry mouth in the morning should adhere to the following rules:

1. Watch your diet. The healthier the food, the healthier the body as a whole. But lovers of sweets, smoked foods, pickles and anything that contains food additives and dyes should not be surprised if the day begins with discomfort and unpleasant sensations.
2. Ensure free breathing. Nasal congestion and, as a result, mouth breathing often cause dry mucous membranes. Therefore, it is important to treat a runny nose in a timely manner, and also to rinse your nose more often with saline solution or sea water-based drops purchased at the pharmacy.
3. Lead a healthy lifestyle. We are talking, of course, about giving up bad habits - smoking and drinking alcohol, especially at night. They negatively affect not only the condition of the oral mucosa, but the functioning of the body as a whole.
4. Maintain a teeth brushing routine. You need to pay attention to oral hygiene 2 times a day - in the morning and before bed, using toothpaste with fluoride and a soft brush.

And, most importantly, you should not put up with constant dry mouth during the night and after sleep - this problem can be completely solved if you seek help in time and follow all the doctor’s recommendations.

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Diagnosis of the causes of dry mouth

In order to determine the prerequisites for drying out of the oral mucosa, the specialist will first have to conduct a thorough analysis of the patient’s medical history in order to determine the possible causes of such a symptom. After this, the doctor will order diagnostic tests and examinations that are necessary to confirm or refute the suspected causes of xerostomia.

Diagnosis of the main causes that lead to dryness of the oral mucosa may include a set of studies, the exact list of which depends on the probable pathology.

First of all, if insufficient salivation occurs, it is necessary to find out whether the patient has diseases that impair the functioning of the salivary glands. For this purpose, computed tomography may be prescribed, which will help identify neoplasms, magnetic resonance imaging, as well as a study of the composition of saliva (enzymes, immunoglobulins, micro- and macroelements).

In addition, a biopsy of the salivary glands, sialometry (study of the rate of saliva secretion), and cytological examination are performed. All of these tests will help determine whether the salivary system is functioning correctly.

The patient is also prescribed general urine and blood tests, which can indicate anemia and the presence of inflammatory processes. If diabetes is suspected, a blood glucose test is prescribed. An ultrasound may reveal cysts, tumors, or stones in the salivary gland. If Sjögren's syndrome is suspected, an immunological blood test is performed - a study that helps identify diseases associated with a decrease in the body's resistance and identify infectious diseases.

In addition to the above, the doctor may prescribe other tests depending on the patient’s condition and medical history.

Dry mouth combined with other symptoms

Often, accompanying symptoms help determine the nature of the pathology that causes decreased salivation. Let's look at the most common of them.

Thus, drying out of the mucous membrane in combination with numbness and burning of the tongue may be a side effect of taking medications or a manifestation of Sjögren's syndrome. In addition, similar symptoms occur during stress.

Drying of the mucous membrane that occurs in the morning after sleep can be a sign of respiratory pathologies - a person breathes through the mouth during sleep because nasal breathing is blocked. Diabetes mellitus is also likely to develop.

Dry mouth at night, combined with restless sleep, may indicate insufficient air humidity in the bedroom, as well as problems with metabolism. You should also review your diet and avoid eating large meals shortly before bedtime.

Insufficient saliva production, combined with frequent urination and thirst, is a reason to check your blood glucose levels - this can be a sign of diabetes.

Drying of the oral mucosa and nausea can be signs of intoxication, a severe decrease in blood sugar levels. Similar symptoms are also characteristic of a concussion.

If your mouth becomes dry after eating, the whole point is due to pathological processes in the salivary glands, which do not make it possible to produce the amount of saliva necessary to digest food. Bitterness in the mouth combined with dryness may indicate dehydration, alcohol and tobacco abuse, and liver problems. Finally, dry mouth combined with dizziness may be a reason to check your blood pressure levels.

Additional symptoms of dry mouth help reduce the likelihood of incorrect diagnosis and also prevent developing pathologies from being missed. That is why, when visiting a doctor, you should describe to him in as much detail as possible all the uncharacteristic sensations that you have recently experienced. This will help make the correct diagnosis and select the correct treatment tactics.

Preventive measures

This is how much water you need to drink every day (1.5 liters)
How to avoid dry mouth at night? There will be no discomfort after sleep due to lack of saliva if:

1. Drink more clean water. It is dehydration that most often causes morning dry mouth, so you need to drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day, excluding tea, juices or compotes.
2. Increase the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. They are 70-90% water, so they are great for combating dryness, and acidic fruits also activate additional saliva production.
3. Avoid dry foods: crackers, cookies, crackers, chips, etc. Due to their structure, when they enter the stomach, they practically pump water out of the body, causing the mucous membrane to dry out.
4. Monitor the level of humidity and air temperature in the bedroom: ventilate the room more often and leave the window open at night in the warm season, regularly carry out wet cleaning, etc.

In addition, it is better not to drink coffee and drinks with a diuretic effect in the evening, because of which the body will actively lose fluid, have dinner no later than 2-3 hours before bedtime, and rinse your mouth before going to bed water with a few drops of lemon juice.