Waking up with a dry mouth is common and doesn’t necessarily mean something is seriously wrong. It usually means saliva production was reduced or you were breathing through your mouth during sleep nasal congestion, and avoid excessive alcohol and tobacco. Sugar-free gum or lozenges can stimulate saliva. Good dental hygiene is especially important because.
Common causes
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Mouth breathing from a blocked nose, allergies, or sleeping with your mouth open
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Dehydration, particularly if you don’t drink enough during the day
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Medications — many antihistamines, antidepressants, blood-pressure medicines, and diuretics can cause dry mouth
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Snoring or obstructive sleep apnea, especially if you also wake up gasping, have loud snoring, or feel very sleepy during the day
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Alcohol or tobacco use
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Diabetes, particularly if you also have excessive thirst and frequent urination
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Less commonly, conditions affecting the salivary glands, such as Sjögren’s disease
What you can try
Drink enough water during the day, address nasal congestion, and avoid excessive alcohol and tobacco. Sugar-free gum or lozenges can stimulate saliva. Good dental hygiene is especially important because reduced saliva increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
If you’re taking medication, don’t stop it on your own—ask your doctor or pharmacist whether dry mouth could be a side effect.
When to get checked
See a doctor or dentist if dry mouth is persistent, is causing difficulty swallowing or speaking, or is accompanied by very dry eyes, recurrent mouth infections, or significant dental problems.
If you also snore loudly, wake choking or gasping, or are unusually sleepy during the day, ask a doctor about possible sleep apnea.
