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Certain medications—such as sedatives, antipsychotics, and even some antibiotics—can cause drooling as a side effect. Surprisingly, even commonly used NSAIDs like ibuprofen may contribute to nighttime drooling in some individuals. While this isn’t typically a cause for alarm, it can be bothersome. If you notice increased drooling after starting a new medication, talk to your doctor. They may be able to adjust the dosage or switch you to a different option to help reduce the effect—without compromising your treatment.
3.The Link Between Sleep Apnea and Nighttime Drooling
leep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during the night. One of its side effects is mouth breathing, which can lead to excess saliva production and, in turn, drooling. Many people aren’t aware they have sleep apnea, as the signs often occur during sleep. Common symptoms include loud snoring, gasping or choking sounds at night, and waking up feeling unrested or fatigued.
Because sleep apnea can impact both your health and the quality of sleep for those around you, it’s important to talk to a doctor if you suspect it. Diagnosis and treatment—such as CPAP therapy or lifestyle changes—can significantly improve your sleep, reduce drooling, and protect your long-term well-being.
4.Dental Issues and Mouth Infections
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Infections in the mouth or gums, such as cavities or gum disease, can increase saliva production and cause drooling. You might experience pain when eating, swallowing, or speaking, along with swelling or bleeding while brushing your teeth. If you suspect an infection, it’s important to see your doctor or dentist promptly to get proper treatment and prevent complications.
5.The Link Between GERD and Excess Saliva
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GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, often causes acid reflux—commonly known as heartburn. It can also lead to dysphagia, which means difficulty swallowing. This difficulty can trigger excess saliva production, resulting in drooling while you sleep. Since GERD is a manageable condition, it’s important to talk to your doctor if you frequently experience heartburn along with nighttime drooling.
6.Neurological Issues Impacting Saliva Control
Neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s disease, Bell’s Palsy, cerebral palsy, ALS, and brain injuries can cause sialorrhea—excessive saliva production—that makes swallowing difficult and leads to drooling during sleep. Interestingly, a vitamin B12 deficiency can also contribute to drooling, as it may cause neurological issues that affect saliva control.
7.Nocturnal Teeth Clenching
Nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding during sleep) and the use of mandibular devices, such as night guards, can sometimes contribute to drooling at night. If you grind your teeth while sleeping, it’s important to continue wearing your night guard. However, if drooling becomes bothersome, talk to your healthcare provider—they can help you explore possible solutions.
8.Pregnancy-Related Changes That Lead to Drooling
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Salivating more during pregnancy, a condition known as ptyalism gravidarum, can cause excess saliva and lead to drooling while sleeping. Other factors contributing to nighttime drooling during pregnancy include increased stress related to the upcoming life changes, swollen salivary glands, and difficulty sleeping—whether due to emotional strain, physical discomfort, or a combination of both.
Beat Nighttime Drooling: 5 Practical Solutions
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If your drooling is becoming bothersome and you want to take control, there are several strategies you can try. Some of these are simple changes you can make at home, while others might require advice or treatment from healthcare professionals or specialists.
1.Modify How You Sleep
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As mentioned earlier, one of the primary reasons people drool at night is sleeping on their side or stomach. To help reduce drooling, try sleeping on your back instead. If you’re used to sleeping on your side or stomach, it might take some time to adjust to this new position, but it can make a noticeable difference.
2.How to Reduce Drooling: Tips You Can Try at Home
Maintaining a healthy saliva balance is important for overall oral comfort. Some home remedies that might help reduce drooling include gently biting on a lemon wedge, which is thought to thin out saliva, and staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. However, it’s worth noting that many home remedies lack strong scientific evidence, so results can vary. If you try lemon or other citrus remedies, be cautious, as their acidity can potentially harm your tooth enamel and irritate your gums.
3.Mouthguard Solutions
Consider using a mandibular device—an oral appliance similar to a mouthguard—to improve sleep comfort and help reduce both drooling and snoring. These devices can be purchased online or at specialty medical supply stores. By helping to keep your mouth closed during sleep, a mandibular device may significantly decrease the likelihood of drooling.
4.Managing Sleep Apnea with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
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If your drooling is caused by sleep apnea, using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine may help reduce it. Even more importantly, a CPAP machine effectively treats sleep apnea by keeping your airways open and maintaining proper breathing throughout the night. This not only improves your sleep quality but can also decrease drooling. Be sure to consult a sleep specialist to get the right guidance on using a CPAP machine effectively.
5.Botulinum Toxin Therapy for Drooling
Botox isn’t just for cosmetic purposes—it can also be an effective treatment for reducing drooling. For those looking for a more proactive solution to excessive saliva production (hypersalivation), Botox injections may be recommended. By injecting Botox into the salivary glands around the mouth, saliva production is temporarily decreased, helping to control drooling. Keep in mind, this treatment is not permanent and requires periodic repeat sessions. Most importantly, it’s crucial to seek treatment from a licensed and experienced professional, as improper administration can pose serious health risks.
Signs It’s Time to Consult a Doctor About Your Drooling
