Causes of nighttime dry mouth: The simple reason for dry mouth is that the salivary glands fail to do their job by keeping the mouth lubricated. They start producing inadequate amounts of saliva which leaves that dry and scratchy feeling from the mouth right down to the throat. The ulterior reason for this usually varies though depending on the situation. Some people are simply thirsty or not properly hydrated, therefore making it hard for the body to produce necessary fluids. Drugs like muscle relaxants, antihistamines, decongestants and even drugs for chemotherapy are included in the list of possible dry mouth at night causes. If the above two are not the likely causes of dry mouth at night, then chances are the individual is not sleeping properly. Specifically, they are breathing more through their mouth rather than their nose, therefore exposing the inside of the mouth to air. People who have colds or even suffering from asthma might also suffer from dry mouth at night due to their difficulty breathing through the nose. In some cases, dry mouth at night is a symptom of an underlying disease like diabetes. Treatment for Nighttime Dry Mouth: Treatment for dry mouth usually depends on why it is happening in the first place. For example, individuals who are merely dehydrated should take care to consume 8 or more glasses of water a day – preferably before going to sleep. A popular technique is the intake of water using ice cubes. Individuals suffering from dry mouth at night are advised to suck ice cubes whenever they can whether it’s during work or relaxing in front of the TV. Having a glass of water or ice cubes at the bedside table is also a good idea in case of any nighttime discomfort. In some cases, the ice cubes may be exchanged for pits of fruits like mangoes or peaches. Chewing bubble gum also helps produce more saliva. However, it is important to note that too much intake of sugar is one of the reasons for dry mouth at night. If you prefer to choose bubblegum remedy should opt for a sugar-less gum. If the most basic solutions do not work, it is advised that sufferers consult an ENT specialist for a more powerful remedy or to figure out the underlying reasons for the condition. Prevention strategies: • Include watery fluids in your diet • Avoid acidic foods and beverages such as soft drinks and other aerated drinks. • Restrict sugary foods and drinks. • Avoid any substance that increases mouth dryness. These include cigarettes, alcohol, caffeinated drinks and spicy foods. • Chew sugar free gums between meals to promote the flow of saliva