For normal chewing of food, cleansing of the gums and teeth, as well as softening the food and its passage through the esophagus in the mouth there must be a sufficient amount of saliva. It is secreted by special glands that are located on the inside of the cheeks and under the tongue. Saliva enters the oral cavity constantly, and during meals, its amount increases several times.
Many people are familiar with the sensation of dry mouth in the morning. But not everyone takes this trouble seriously, although it can signal the presence in the body of some disorders and even diseases. Bothering you 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. By the nature and symptoms, this condition is of two types:
- objective (abnormal malfunctions in 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 certain diseases and disappears simultaneously with recovery.
Signs
If the manifestations of xerostomia are unstable 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 violations in the body.
The main signs of xerostomia include:
- regular thirst;
- problems swallowing or chewing food;
- change in taste
- dryness or stickiness in the throat and mouth;
- burning on the surface of the tongue or the entire mucous membrane of the mouth;
- cracks, wounds on the lips;
- bad breath;
- hoarseness of voice.
Dry mouth in the morning: causes and treatment
Almost always, xerostomia occurs due to a decrease in the secretion of saliva and can be either temporary or permanent.
If you have dry mouth in the morning, the reasons may be as follows:
- alcohol intoxication;
- colds or malfunctioning of the respiratory system;
- taking certain medications;
- dehydration;
- night snoring;
- dry air in the bedroom;
- the course of certain diseases in the body;
- smoking;
- old age.
Drugs that affect the functioning of the salivary glands
Severe dry mouth in the morning may occur while taking certain medications. Basically, these are drugs that are prescribed by a doctor in case of treatment:
- mental illness, depression;
- infectious ailments or allergic manifestations;
- oncological diseases;
- failures in the digestive system;
- heart disease.
Some treatments may also cause dry mouth. Xerostomia is especially evident in patients after chemotherapy procedures.
A number of hidden diseases
Rubbing, viscosity in the mouth, causeless burning in the throat - these manifestations should alert, especially if they are systematic and observed in the morning. Dry mouth may be a sign of a serious illness in the body.
Particular care should be taken if sudden jumps in weight, frequent urination and insomnia are observed at the same time as xerostomia. Such symptoms may indicate malfunctioning of the endocrine system. If a bitter taste has joined a dry mouth, this may be a sign of disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract.
Xerostomia can be caused by such diseases:
- anemia;
- hypotension;
- pathology of the gallbladder;
- HIV infection;
- Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease;
- gastritis;
- diabetes;
- stroke;
- Sjogren's syndrome.
Dehydration
Our body consists of water, and its lack can 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:
- severe vomiting on the eve;
- diarrhea;
- increased sweating;
- taking diuretics;
- insufficient amount of water consumed.
Dry air
In winter, the premises are heated by batteries, and often uncontrolled heat is excessive. This leads to air drying, which negatively affects the respiratory system. To dry mouth in the morning I didn’t bother you, preferably in the rooms reserved for sleep, install humidifiers.
It is also recommended to install special valves on the heating devices, with the help of which it will be possible to regulate the heat supply to the room. This will not only save your money, but also save you from many troubles, one of which is dry mouth.
Other pathologies
With surgical intervention or severe brain injuries, its parts responsible for the activity of the salivary glands can be damaged. As a result, the supply of tissues and organs with impulses is disrupted, a failure occurs in the chain of communication with the nervous system, which entails a number of changes. The salivary glands begin to randomly release fluid: it forms too much or not enough, which leads to xerostomia.
Watching daily thirst in the morning? Dry mouth, which has regular manifestations, may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease. As a result of this pathology, gastric juice enters the esophagus, which leads to a burn of the mucous membranes. To alleviate this condition, the glands begin to produce a large amount of saliva. Having developed a significant amount of fluid, these channels are completely dehydrated by morning, which leads to increased dry mouth.
Pregnancy and xerostomia
This period in many women is accompanied by toxicosis, which is expressed by diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. He is especially worried 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, and dry mouth is systematic, it is best to consult a doctor. Usually, pregnant women have increased work of the salivary glands, and any abnormalities may indicate disturbances in the body or hidden diseases.
Effects
If you do not diagnose xerostomia in time, it can lead to unpleasant diseases that will greatly complicate a person’s life. Dryness may result in:
- the formation in the oral cavity of bacteria, microorganisms that will destroy its natural environment;
- diseases of the teeth and gums;
- irritation and formation of ulcers in the oral cavity;
- the inability to use dentures.
Treatment and prevention
Xerostomia is usually treated with simple methods: rinsing or stimulating the salivary glands. For the preparation of useful 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 preventative measures:
- drink enough clean water throughout the day;
- stimulate the production of saliva by sugarless chewing gums , natural candies, ice cubes;
- avoid drinking alcohol, smoking tobacco;
- enrich the diet with fruits, vegetables, herbs;
- limit the use of coffee and strong tea.
Be healthy!
Now you know what xerostomia is and why dry mouth in the morning arises. Remember what a manifestation is. may be a sign of dangerous diseases. Get rid of bad habits, lead a healthy lifestyle, be attentive to the smallest changes in the body. Then you will always have good health, good health and a cheerful mood!