Nighttime Dry Mouth

Posted by kacey1 @kacey1, Oct 14 3:15pm

I'm a 79-year-old female with idiopathic dry mouth that has become progressively worse in the past two years. I go to bed at 11pm and will wake up every hour with dry mouth. When I wake up, I'll use either Act gum, sprays, water, or lozenges. By 5am, my mouth is so dry I have to get up and eat breakfast.
Tests for autoimmune diseases have been negative. Taking Pilocarpine gave me a headache.
Had anyone had success with products that work during the night?

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frances007 | @frances007 | Oct 16 7:42pm

In reply to @frances007 "in reply to @kacey1 I bought a can of liquid coconut oil at Walmart. I mix..." + (show)

I failed to mention that I have one of those battery operated mild frothier "things" that I use to mix the oil and water, and it works great.

frances007 | @frances007 | Oct 16 7:44pm

My eyeglass dispenser recently showed me a new product, It is kind of like a eye mask that you put over your eyes to help with dry eyes. I think he said you can either refrigerate it for coolness or microwave for warmth. For me, the drops work and they last 8 hours.....

Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Oct 16 8:11pm

In reply to @jeanjanx2 "Perrier sparking water helps my dry mouth (feels wetter than water)and calms the stomach upset. also..." + (show)

@jeanjanx2 Welcome to Mayo ClinicConnect! I see that you’ve been around but this is your first comment. We’re glad that you’re here. Is there a specific problem that the members can help you with? What causes your dry mouth?

Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Oct 16 9:51pm

@kacey1 .......Dry mouth is one of my irritations. If I don't take care of it when it begins, then I won't be able to swallow without getting up and rinsing out my mouth. For several years now, I have been using Biotene products. That means I always have Biotene lozenges in my purse so that I can make sure I don't get a dry mouth attack when I am attending one of my meditation or mindfulness groups. I also use Biotene toothpaste and the spray rinse......just a spray or two before I go out the door really helps. It is always better to be prepared than to find yourself miserable and unable to manage the onset.

What do you use? I would be happy to try other products.
May you be free of discomfort.
Chris

jackielb | @jackielb | Oct 16 11:08pm

I was on Restasis for a long time. Then tried Xiidra for a short time. I'm now using Cequa and Miebo. Also Refresh. Also apply warm compresses. Doctor suggested I use night time goggles to keep eyes moist. Also clean my eyes twice a day. Has anyone been treated for Sjogren's. Oh and I also use a humidifier at night.

frances007 | @frances007 | Oct 17 5:58am

Hello all, here is a great link that discusses benefits of coconut oil for dental health
.https://www.dentistryiq.com/dentistry/oral-systemic-health/article/55090981/alleviating-dry-mouth-symptoms-with-coconut-oil-pulling

karenshope | @karenshope | Oct 17 1:12pm

Chris, have you had Sjögren’s syndrome confirmed? The most effective products I’ve found personally are xylimelts (drug store or Amazon) as needed with coconut oil rinses at night. I also take one RX designed for Sjrogrens. Good luck!

kacey1 | @kacey1 | Oct 17 6:36pm

In reply to @frances007 "Hello all, here is a great link that discusses benefits of coconut oil for dental health..." + (show)

Read the articles on coconut oil pulling. Seems very promising with mostly good reviews. Our local Walmart has the Guru Nanda Oil Pulling Rinse. Will be picking it up tomorrow. Worth trying.

kacey1 | @kacey1 | Oct 17 7:40pm

In reply to @artscaping "@kacey1 .......Dry mouth is one of my irritations. If I don't take care of it when..." + (show)

Chris: Over the years, I've tried so many dry mouth products. Some of them work initially and then after several weeks, I don't get much relief. Now during the day, I have Trident gum, Act lemon lozenges and carry a water bottle with me all the time.
The real problem is nighttime. On my nightstand, I have my daytime products plus Oasis DM spray and Act Gum. Since I will wake up probably three to five times during the night, I will use any one of the products depending on how dry my mouth is.
The Act Gum probably works the best when my mouth is very dry. The gum is like chicklets, with a hard shell. It's kind of pricey at $4 for 20 pieces. I cut the pieces in half with my pill cutter.

frances007 | @frances007 | Oct 17 8:16pm

In reply to @kacey1 "Read the articles on coconut oil pulling. Seems very promising with mostly good reviews. Our local..." + (show)

Oh, I had no idea, but since I had the oil, even with the sunflower oil, the dentist said that would work fine. I have sjogrens and dry eyes...and everything else under the sun.
Thanks

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