For normal chewing of food, cleansing of gums and teeth, as well as softening food and its passage through the esophagus, there must be a sufficient amount of saliva in the mouth. It is secreted by special glands that are located on the inner parts of the cheeks and under the tongue. Saliva enters the oral cavity constantly, and while eating, its amount increases several times.
Many people are familiar with the feeling of dry mouth in the morning. But not everyone takes this trouble seriously, although it can signal the presence of certain disorders and even diseases in the body. Are you worried about dry mouth in the morning? What to do? Read about the causes, treatment and consequences of this condition in this article.
Correct name
There is a medical term that doctors use when they detect signs of dry mouth - "xerostomia". According to the nature and symptoms, this condition is of two types:
- objective (abnormal malfunctions of the salivary glands);
- subjective (dryness caused by other factors).
Xerostomia does not occur on its own, usually this ailment is associated with a specific problem in the body. In some cases, dry mouth can be caused by certaindiseases and disappears simultaneously with recovery.
Signs
If the manifestations of xerostomia are intermittent and occur very rarely, there is no cause for concern. However, it is worth listening to your body if they occur every morning. Dry mouth, which appears very often, can signal serious disorders in the body.
The main signs of xerostomia include:
- regular thirst;
- trouble swallowing or chewing food;
- change in taste sensations;
- dryness or stickiness in the throat and mouth;
- burning on the surface of the tongue or the entire oral mucosa;
- cracks, sores on the lips;
- bad breath;
- hoarse voice.
Dry mouth in the morning: causes and treatment
Almost always, xerostomia occurs due to a decrease in saliva secretion and can be either temporary or permanent.
If you experience dry mouth in the morning, the reasons may be the following:
- alcohol intoxication;
- colds or respiratory problems;
- taking certain medications;
- dehydration;
- night snoring;
- dry air in the bedroom;
- the course of some diseases in the body;
- smoking;
- old age.
Drugs affecting the salivary glands
Severe dry mouth in the morning canoccur while taking certain medications. Basically, these are drugs that are prescribed by a doctor in case of treatment:
- mental illness, depression;
- infectious diseases or allergic manifestations;
- oncological diseases;
- malfunctions in the digestive system;
- heart disease.
Some therapies can also cause dry mouth. Xerostomia is especially evident in patients after chemotherapy procedures.
A number of hidden diseases
Pickling, viscosity in the mouth, unreasonable burning sensation in the throat - such manifestations should alert, especially if they are systematic and are observed in the morning. Dry mouth can be a sign of a serious illness in the body.
Especially you should be careful if at the same time with xerostomia there are sharp jumps in weight, frequent urination and insomnia. Such symptoms may indicate malfunctions in the endocrine system. If a dry mouth is accompanied by a bitter taste, this may be a sign of a disorder in the gastrointestinal tract.
Xerostomia can be caused by:
- anemia;
- hypotension;
- pathology of the gallbladder;
- HIV infection;
- Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease;
- gastritis;
- diabetes mellitus;
- stroke;
- Sjogren's syndrome.
Dehydration
Our body is made up of water, and lack of itcan affect not only well-being, but also worsen the appearance of a person.
Most often, dehydration occurs in the summer, and can also be triggered by a number of factors, such as:
- heavy vomiting the day before;
- diarrhea;
- excessive sweating;
- taking diuretics;
- Insufficient water intake.
Dry air
In winter, the premises are heated by batteries, and often uncontrolled heat is unnecessary. This leads to drying of the air, which negatively affects the respiratory system. In order to avoid dry mouth in the morning, it is advisable to install humidifiers in the rooms reserved for sleeping.
It is also recommended to install special valves on heating devices, with the help of which it will be possible to regulate the heat supply to the room. This will not only save you money, but also save you from many troubles, one of which is dry mouth.
Other pathologies
In case of surgery or severe brain injuries, its areas responsible for the activity of the salivary glands can be damaged. As a result, the supply of tissues and organs with impulses is disrupted, there is a failure in the chain of communication with the nervous system, which entails a number of changes. The salivary glands begin to spontaneously secrete fluid: too much or not enough of it is produced, which leads to xerostomia.
Watchingdaily thirst in the morning? Dry mouth that occurs regularly can be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease. As a result of this pathology, gastric juice enters the esophagus, which leads to burns of the mucous membranes. To alleviate this condition, the glands begin to produce a large amount of saliva. Having produced a significant volume of fluid, these channels are completely dehydrated by morning, which leads to increased dryness in the mouth.
Pregnancy and xerostomia
This period in many women is accompanied by toxicosis, which is expressed by diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. It worries me especially in the morning. Dry mouth can be the result of vomiting or diarrhea, because they lead to dehydration. In this case, the pregnant woman should regularly replenish the loss of fluid.
If toxicosis does not bother you, and dry mouth is systematic, it is better to consult a doctor. Usually, pregnant women have increased salivary gland activity, and any deviations may indicate disorders in the body or hidden diseases.
Consequences
If xerostomia is not diagnosed in time, it can lead to unpleasant diseases that will greatly complicate a person's life. Dryness can turn around:
- formation in the oral cavity of bacteria, microorganisms that will destroy its natural environment;
- tooth and gum disease;
- irritation and ulceration in the mouth;
- inability to use dentaldentures.
Treatment and prevention
Usually, xerostomia is treated in simple ways: rinsing or stimulating the salivary glands. To prepare he althy decoctions, you can use flax seeds, chamomile flowers or calendula. Herbs are poured with boiling water, infused and taken several times a day until the condition is relieved.
The following steps should be taken as preventive measures:
- drink enough clean water throughout the day;
- stimulate saliva production with sugar-free chewing gum, natural hard candies, ice cubes;
- avoid drinking alcohol, smoking tobacco;
- enrich your diet with fruits, vegetables, herbs;
- limit coffee and strong tea.
Be he althy
Now you know what xerostomia is and why dry mouth occurs in the morning. Remember that such a manifestation can be a sign of dangerous diseases. Get rid of bad habits, lead a he althy lifestyle, be attentive to the slightest changes in the body. Then you will always have good he alth, excellent well-being and cheerful mood!
