Dry Mouth in Livonia, MI
If you suffer from sleep apnea, you may often wake up with a dry mouth and a sore throat. While these symptoms may be merely annoying, they are also a surefire sign that you should consider making an appointment with our office to discuss a possible sleep apnea diagnosis.
Why Is My Throat Sore?
Sleep apnea is caused by the collapse of the soft tissue and muscles in the back of your throat. This sleep disorder is often accompanied by excessive snoring, which occurs before your airways become completely blocked. While you snore, the partially relaxed muscles vibrate against one another – this is what causes the loud “snoring” sound. This constant tissue contact, followed by a sudden snort or momentary choke when the throat completely closes, leads to irritation and sore throat upon waking.
In addition, if you suffer from acid reflux as a result of sleep apnea, the acids that splash up into your esophagus can also irritate your throat tissue.
What Causes Dry Mouth?
Because their brain and body are fighting to take in enough oxygen, sleep apnea sufferers tend to sleep with an open mouth. Also, when gasping for oxygen, their natural response is to open their mouth wide and take in as much air as they can. This constant intake of air through the mouth causes the normally moist oral tissues to dry out. Hence, dry mouth. Sticky front teeth in the morning can be another symptom.
What Dry Mouth Treatment Do You Offer?
We will examine your mouth and review your health history to determine whether you are experiencing dry mouth as a result of sleep apnea, or as a side effect of some other condition or prescription medication. To treat dry mouth associated with sleep apnea, we will address the sleep disorder through the use of an oral appliance or a more advanced form of sleep apnea treatment, such as a CPAP mask. In addition, drink plenty of water throughout the day to rehydrate your skin, organs, and bodily tissues.
