Mouth watering at night, or nocturnal hypersalivation, can stem from several causes. It's not simply about excessive saliva production; it can also involve difficulty swallowing or saliva escaping due to open-mouth breathing.
Potential Causes of Nighttime Mouth Watering:
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Excessive Saliva Production (Hypersalivation): Your salivary glands might be producing more saliva than usual. This can be triggered by various factors, including certain medical conditions and medications. Medical News Today discusses hypersalivation as a cause of excess saliva leading to drooling or mouth watering. Neurological conditions are also mentioned as a potential trigger.
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Open-Mouth Breathing: Breathing through your mouth while sleeping allows saliva to easily escape. This is particularly likely if you have nasal congestion or use a mouthguard. The reference on drooling in sleep mentions that mouth breathing is one reason saliva may escape. Sleep Foundation highlights bruxism (teeth grinding) and its association with mouth breathing as a contributing factor. Additionally, using a humidifier to add moisture to the air might help, especially if you breathe through your mouth at night Cleveland Clinic.
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Sleep Position: Sleeping on your back or side can impact saliva drainage, leading to more noticeable nighttime drooling.
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Medications: Certain medications list increased salivation as a side effect.
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Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions can affect saliva production and control.
Addressing Nighttime Mouth Watering:
While many causes are benign, persistent or excessive nighttime drooling warrants a consultation with a doctor to rule out any underlying medical issues. Strategies to manage this could include addressing nasal congestion (to improve nasal breathing), adjusting your sleep position, or reviewing your medications with your physician.
