Thirst and a Dry Mouth at Night

Thirst and dry mouth at night can be very uncomfortable. Night thirst and dry mouth can cause pain and discomfort itself, and can also be a symptom of other conditions. It is important for all those suffering continual thirst and dry mouth at night to seek the advice of a medical professional. The technical term for dry mouth is Xerostomia.

Symptoms

Symptoms include a sticky, dry feeling within the mouth and an excessive thirst that can wake you several times throughout the night. This condition can also cause problems and discomfort with swallowing, chewing and speaking. It is possible with dry mouth to get sore and cracked skin both inside the mouth and on the tongue, increasing the risk of painful mouth sores. Infection can occur in the mouth and inflamed gums and halitosis are other undesired symptoms of the condition.

Causes

Night thirst and dry mouth at night can be caused a number of things. Dehydration and inadequate fluid intake will cause the condition. Mouth breathing rather than using the nose can also increase the risk of dry mouth. A stuffy nose, sore throat or a minor illness can lead to the condition, as can mental issues such as fear or anxiety over an upcoming event.

Nutrition

Night thirst and dry mouth at night can be the result of a chronic nutritional problem. As well as inadequate fluid intake, a diet that does not consist of an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables can increase the risk of dehydration. Vitamin deficiency, riboflavin deficiency and vitamin A deficiency are all cited as possible causes of thirst and dry mouth at night.

Conditions

Medical research has shown thirst and dry mouth at night could be a worrying symptom of other conditions. For this reason, if you continually experience these symptoms, it is important to seek the advice of a medical professional. Health Line cites dry mouth as possible symptom of Type 1 diabetes 2.

Home Remedies

A number of home remedies are reported to aid with thirst and dry mouth at night. It is important to remember that while they may have some use, these remedies are not substitutes for treatment from a medical professional. It is recommended you fit your home with a humidifier to increase moisture in the air, and increase your daily water intake. Chewing gum before bed can increase saliva flow and may help prevent dry mouth and thirst during the night. Sucking on sugar-free hard candies, ice chips or sugar-free popsicles can aid dry mouth and thirst at night. You should avoid caffeine and alcohol in your diet to lessen the chance of dehydration.