I have Sjogrens and always have somewhat of a dry mouth. However over the last 4 months I've been waking up about 3 times during the night with the worst dry mouth you could imagine. It's dry down my throat and my lips stick together and my teeth feel coated. I use Biotene products, and I haven't started any new meds that might have caused this.
Several years ago my dentist said that he thought I must breathe through my mouth at night. It's not because of a stuffy nose. Any ideas why this could start happening all of a sudden? And what I could do about it. Thanks for your help
Xylomints really help me (recommended by my dentist & O.K. to use at night - they stick to the inside of your cheeks. I order mine from Amazon. I am sorry you are experiencing this.
I have a similar nightime problem. I've found having a vaporizer running right next to my bed at head level has made a big difference. I'm not waking up for dry mouth anywhere near as much as I was. Hope this works for you!
My sis started on pilocarpine tabs(really tiny pills too) and she says she has lots of saliva now and cut back from 4 pills per day to one or two. I use pilocarpine eye drops in water as a swish and rinse. It helps and while I like not taking a pill my insurance doesn't want to pay for the drops since I use restasis eyedrops (despite the off label use of pilocarpine) . Biotene is great but expensive. I will use it when I start my FSA usage since it is covered by that.
Drymouth is so frustrating but thankfully we have product to help us.
I just started using Quantum OraMoist Dry Mouth Patches at night. Am so impressed, I've recommended them to my mom, whose dentist told her at her last visit that she has a very dry mouth. We are waiting for her to get her temporary filling put in after her root canal procedure for her to start with them. For me, sometimes they will last until morning.
Below is the information regarding the patches:
Specially developed to alleviate parched, dry mouths. Moistens the mouth and improves general oral health. Works for hours. Increases mouth moisture. Patch adheres easily to roof of mouth. Made with xylitol and enzymes and is sugar/alcohol-free. Patches are time released. No sugar, glucose or preservatives.
Place the OraMoist patch on a clean, dry finger with the convex or round pink side up. Place the pink side on either side of the roof of the mouth (palate) halfway back and hold in place for 10 seconds. The patch will adhere to the palate for 2-4 hours and then dissolve. OraMoist increases mouth moisture, alleviates the feeling of dry mouth, and locks in moisture. If using more than three a day, change the position of the patch in the mouth.
Alternate Application / Denture Wearers: The patch may be applied to any soft tissue inside the mouth such as the inside of the cheek. Do not attach to dentures or appliances.
Dear ihtak
I don't know what your diagnoses are or what you are taking.
I take Pilocarpine for saliva. It is the generic for Salagen. Evoxac also works.
Even with that medication, I have to use Nasonex to keep my nasal passages clear, because if I breathe through my mouth it is unbearable.
I also have to spray my eyes and take a sip of water several times during the night.
Because I have an inflammation of the lining of my bladder (Interstitial Cystitis) I have to get up to pee, anyway.
It's a three ring circus all night at my house!
Keep us posted.
Hugs
Elaine
Try wearing your polar fleece mumps scarf each night. It has helped me.
I experienced a similiar issue with a sudden onset. My mouth and throat was extremely dry at night. I would also wake up several times a night and my throat would burn. I am suppose to wear a night guard at night and that only made things even worse. I started running a cool mist humidifier right next to the head of my bed. This helps some, but for me was certainly not a fix all.
I recently started Evoxac, and I take one right before I go to bed ( only seems to last 4-6 hours for me.) It definitely produces saliva, the only side effect I had was sweating ( this has almost completely stopped after a one month use.) I also keep a bottle of water by my bed. I also have a biotene spray that I use when I wake up with the burning in my throat. A couple of sprays helps.
Interestingly the dry mouth comes and goes for me. Many on this board have given you some great tips. I am sorry you are dealing with this too. Seems like many of us experience it. Take care.
I have to go to sleep with some sort of dry mouth mint. I use Saliva Sure, they are Xylitol melts that stimulate saliva. I take a Salagen right before going to bed. I generally wake up once and either have a drink or get another or if I have to, take another Salagen. I too was a nose breather and had to train myself not to, but it didn't always work.
I can't sleep at all without something in my mouth to stimulate saliva. I have like 0 unstimlated flow I am sure. It's ok with meds and a mint.