Dry mouth is the sensation of lacking saliva, leading to persistent thirst that can range from mild to severe, often accompanied by a sore throat. Individuals experiencing dry mouth may also suffer from mouth pain, dry and cracked lips, altered taste, and difficulty speaking or swallowing.

Chronic dry mouth can increase the risk of oral infections, tooth decay, and gum inflammation. This is because insufficient saliva fails to wash away food particles and reduce harmful bacteria, leading to bad breath. If you frequently experience dry mouth or throat at night or upon waking, it is advisable to seek medical attention, as it may indicate an underlying ear, nose, and throat condition.

Medications are a common culprit. Certain drugs, such as diuretics, blood pressure medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, heart failure treatments, antidepressants, and antihistamines used for allergies, can induce thirst and dry throat at night.

Some medications can cause dry mouth and throat. Photo: Anh Chi

Breathing through the mouth also contributes to dry throat. Air passing through the nose helps maintain moisture in the airways. However, when breathing through the mouth, the airflow can quickly dry out the mouth. Mouth breathing often occurs when nasal passages are obstructed due to a cold, allergies, tonsillitis, or a deviated septum.

Seasonal allergies can lead to symptoms like sneezing and nasal congestion, prompting individuals to breathe through their mouths instead of their noses during sleep. Antihistamine medications, taken to combat allergies, dry up mucus but can also cause dry mouth.

Dehydration is another significant factor. It can result from consuming alcohol or coffee, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating during outdoor activities in the sun. When the body loses more water than it takes in, it leads to a dry throat and fatigue.

Snoring and sleep apnea frequently cause dry throat. People who snore tend to breathe through their mouths, allowing air to directly contact the mouth and throat. This leads to dehydration and a dry throat at night. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked. This condition can also lead to mouth breathing, resulting in dry mouth and throat. Other symptoms of sleep apnea include chronic snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, teeth grinding, and night sweats.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. Individuals with GERD often experience dry mouth and throat, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of a lump or discomfort in the throat. Reflux symptoms tend to worsen when lying down, explaining why people with GERD are more likely to have a dry mouth and throat at night and upon waking.

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks glands that produce saliva and tears. Other accompanying symptoms include dry nose, difficulty swallowing, and eye irritation. The sensation of a dry throat and mouth can frequently awaken individuals at night to drink water.

Diabetes can impact saliva production in various ways. Diabetic patients are prone to dehydration and dry mouth due to frequent urination or inflammation and irritation in the mouth.

Anh Chi (According to Very Well Health)