Nighttime Dry Mouth
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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I have the same nighttime (only) problem. I have started using Oracoat Xylimelts and it really helps. They are little circles you put on either the side of a tooth or on your gum. Do read the directions before using and see if it helps your dry mouth.
I think I get dry mouth at night when my nose is stuffy and I sleep with my mouth open. It happens occasionally. Can you try to ensure your mouth stays shut? I’ve considered getting one of those fabric things that fits under the chin.
Thank you so much for responding.
I tried the Xylimelts probably a year ago. Three hours after using the dots, I get a headache and remove them. Although, I'm at a point to try them again. Even sleeping until 2am, would be a huge benefit.
kacey1,
Dry mouth is such a big crummy thing. People who don't have it, really can't understand how it could be so bad. I get to points, when I simply must not speak or breathe through my mouth. I have pSS- primary Sjögren's syndrome, but just because you don't have a formal diagnosis doesn't make your mouth moist. Pilocarpine and another one are useless to me. I literally carry ice water everywhere, even the bathroom, with me. Ice Water is only a quick fix to the next step. I use MouthCote spray, it causes the least nausea. There are electrolytes in powder form, in tubes. Costco carries Liquid IV, several flavors, with sugar and now without sugar. I use only 1/4-1/3 of the packet, it is too strong for me. My favorite sugar free is white peach, the green grape one is gross .
I keep sugar free peppermint gum everywhere. I can chew it, then stick it to a tooth and chew when needed. I brush my teeth with prescription fluoride, be sure to read the instructions, don't leave it on your tongue, cheeks, etc, overnight, it does not feel good in the morning. I have super cheap children's mouth guards, that you customize with warm-hot water. I keep cough drops (like Halls) and drops, like cherry ones that really don't help my coughing. I've even tried a thin layer of Vaseline on my teeth, just before getting into bed. It is only a little help, but it's not any help if I talk after putting it on. I keep my lips all Goode up, Vaseline, balm, etc etc. Sipping on 7-up helps a lot, but it's not good for teeth or weight. Good luck with finding something that works for you. ShelleyW
Celia16,
Those fabric things look so funny. I tried to make my own first, with a headband, too much pressure on my neck/head =MIGRAINES.
I agree with you on the stuffy nose, I use a netty pot or saline spray. The spray is easy, all prepared to use, I keep it near my bed and in the car. If a migraine slams me and I am not at home and if it makes me cry, then my nose closes right up. You might try the elcheapo mouth guards, at Walmart, they are cheaper. They are in the children's sports section. I mold one for top teeth and one for bottom teeth. I find that they compel me to keep my mouth shut. Hubby loves them 🤪🤪
ShelleyW
If your dry mouth at night comes from breathing through your mouth instead of your nose, there are strips that you can get to keep your mouth closed. Your nose better be clear to breathe through!
My dentist suggested I try Biotene. It comes in a gel and I put it on my gums before I go to bed. Hope you find something that helps.
Xylimelts help me. Biotin disappears too fast, and really doesn’t get me through the night. Usually I still have a bit of Xylimelt left in my mouth in the morning. There is a product called Chin Up that keeps the mouth closed through the night. I’ve been considering ordering that. My doctor suggested cotton tape, but I have not tried that either.
My mouth is ok during the day, so it must have to do with open mouth sleeping for me. I have been tested for Sjogrens three times and it’s always negative.
I have dry eyes and very dry skin too.
My dry eyes are a problem because it prevents wearing contacts and my eyes are often sore with or without contacts.
Thanks for your suggestions.
I'm interested in the Liquid IV. Have never heard of it. Our Target store has it.
Recently at night, I have been using hydration drinks sold in local food stores. (You do have to make sure it's not an energy drink though. ) At night, I've had limited success with the Gatorade Zero but I have to be careful with the flavors. Seems as if I've developed a sensitivity to acidic foods, red sauces and orange in particular, sometimes chocolate and cinnamon.
I tried the Biotene but it didn't last as long as the Xylimelts.