Dry mouth is a condition that occurs when the salivary gland cannot produce enough saliva to lubricate the mouth. This condition is also known as xerostomia. A dry mouth is often associated with cracked lips, a sticking feeling in the throat, and frequent thirst. This article talks about the symptoms, causes, and how you can manage it, and it also helps you find the best humidifier for dry mouth.
Many different things can cause it, but one of the main reasons is old age. Dry mouth occurs mainly in older people. Xerostomia can also result from side effects from medicines, diseases, nerve damage, etc. Knowing the root cause of your dry mouth before attempting to remedy it is crucial.
In some cases, dryness in the mouth can be a result of prevailing atmospheric conditions. When the ambient air is dry, it can lead to a dry mouth. In this case, you should consider getting a humidifier.
It works by increasing the relative humidity of your ambient air. Apart from enhancing your breathing, a humidifier will relieve you of the symptoms of dry mouth by circulating moist air through your room. Humidifiers come in diverse types and specifications, so you don’t just pick any device in the market. Some humidifiers are purposely designed to relieve you of the symptoms of dry mouth.
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How does a humidifier help with dry mouth?
Humidifiers work by increasing the relative humidity of a room. More humidity in your nasal airways means you’ll be able to breathe better. Humidifiers disperse mist and water vapor into the room, and when you breathe it in, it helps soothe the symptoms of dry mouth and throat.
Humidifiers come in cool mist or warm mist options. The cool mist can be used year-round, but the warm mist humidifier is more welcome during the cold winter nights. Whatever the option, the best humidifier for dry mouth at night is one that runs all night long without needing a refill.
How to pick the best humidifier for dry mouth?
We reviewed a lot of products, and we have come up with five best humidifiers for dry mouth. Each product has been tested, and they all meet our expectations.
Type of humidifier:
The type of humidifier you buy is dependent on the different attributes they have. Cool mist humidifiers release room temperature mist into the air. Though, it can bring down the temperature by a few degrees once in a while. Warm mist humidifiers disperse more heated vapor, and they can be very useful during cold nights.
Some humidifiers have the option of producing both cold and warm mist, but they are usually more expensive. You can also pick between an evaporative humidifier that uses less water but it noisier and an ultrasonic humidifier that has a very quiet operation and is more expensive.
Water tank capacity:
This is very important when picking a humidifier that should run through the night. The amount of mist generated is also dependent on the mist output of the humidifier. A humidifier with a 1-gallon water tank can end up staying longer than one with a 2-gallon tank.
Humidification coverage area
Most manufacturers state the coverage area of the humidifier. You should always buy one with a coverage area bigger than that of the room you want to humidify. Using a humidifier with a smaller coverage area and tank can lead to you refilling the tank constantly, and the humidity won’t be increased substantially.
Noise
If you’re a sound sleeper or you want to keep your humidifier in your child’s room, you might want to go for an ultrasonic humidifier. They run so quietly you forget they’re there. An evaporative humidifier isn’t a wrong choice either, especially if you’re not afraid of a little fan noise.
Price
Your budget plays a significant role in deciding which humidifier will go home with you. While there are humidifiers for every budget size, the most expensive isn’t always the best. Don’t feel obliged to go for it because it’s cheap. Take your time and look through the features to determine if it’s the right fit for you.
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Top 5 best humidifiers for dry mouth
1) Aircare 82600 space saver evaporative humidifier
Special features: Adjustable humidistat, Trapmax filter technology with antimicrobial protection, check filter light, water refill indicators
The Aircare space saver unit is a portable evaporative humidifier designed to humidify medium to large spaces. It has a large 6-gallon water tank that can keep running for over 24 hours straight. The tank can be filled from the front of the humidifier, or it can be detached and filled at the sink, making cleaning and refilling easy.
This evaporative humidifier adds invisible moisture to your indoor air easily, and it can increase your humidity levels up to 65%, which helps treat or alleviate symptoms of dry mouth and allergies. It is recommended that you keep moisture levels in your home at 40-50% to prevent microbial and bacterial growth.
This unit helps you get rid of pet dander, dust, and other allergens in the environment. It also decreases static electricity and stops your furniture from drying out. It has a humidification coverage of 2300 sq. Ft. It is also very energy-efficient and helps save up to 20%energy.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large, easy to fill the tank | Has a very loud operation |
| Easy to clean | It is not budget-friendly |
| Replace filter indicator | |
| Humidifies large spaces within a few hours | |
| Maintains set humidity level | |
| 3 fan speeds |
2) Pure enrichment hume ultrasonic cool mist humidifier
Special features: 3.5 l water tank, variable mist settings, automatic shut-off, ultra-quiet operation.
This ultrasonic humidifier from Pure Enrichment has a 3.5l tank that can produce mist consistently, throughout the day and night. It has a maximum mist output of 300ml/hour and can keep your air humid even at the lowest setting.
The mist level is controlled by a dial that makes it easier for you to tailor your mist output to your taste. The water tank also has a wide opening to make refilling spill-free and cleaning easier. It is not compatible with essential oils so it is advisable to put only water in the water tank.
Plus, it is easy to install, and it also looks good thanks to its elegant design. It has a solid build and a 5-year warranty on the product. The tank has a wide opening, and it is very easy to clean and refill. It is advisable to use distilled water to avoid white dust emissions or use a decalcification filter to reduce the white dust.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has an adjustable humidity dial | It doesn’t disperse mist very far. Place a towel underneath it to soak up the spill |
| It has a large water tank | It emits white dust |
| It has a quiet operation(less than 35 db) | It tends to leak after a while |
| It is budget-friendly |
3) Honeywell HCM 710 cool mist humidifier
Special features: illuminated water window, 3-speed settings, antimicrobial filter
The Honeywell cool mist evaporative humidifier provides you and your home with cool, invisible vapor for up to 36 hours on the low setting. Its unique design features a top-fill 1-gallon tank that is easy to fill and clean. It is great for humidifying medium-sized rooms.
This humidifier uses a self-regulating evaporative humidifier system in which water is passed through a wick to form a vapor that is dispersed with a fan. It comes in 3 fan speeds to control the rate of humidification and the sound level. It also has an illuminated water window that shows you when it’s time to refill.
Moreover, it uses a replaceable filter that has been treated with Protec antimicrobial protection. It can prevent up to 99.99% of mold growth on the filter and helps it last longer. Know that we recommend that the filter is changed every six months.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It is budget-friendly | It doesn’t have an auto-off feature |
| It is easy to disassemble and clean | It is very noisy on the high setting |
| The filter prevents bacterial and molds growth |
4) Bionaire ultrasonic warm and cool mist humidifiers
Special features: 2-gallon tank capacity, easy to use digital features, demineralization cartridge, antimicrobial protection, nightlight.
The Bionaire humidifier is one of the best humidifiers for dry mouth as it is capable of dispersing both cool and warm mist, depending on your preference. It has a detachable 2-gallon water tank that is easy to fill and clean. The humidifier has a handle that makes it easy to lug about.
This unit doesn’t use filters, but it uses a demineralization cartridge that absorbs the minerals that cause white dust emissions in most ultrasonic humidifiers. It also has antimicrobial protection and prevents the growth of mold.
The warm mist emitted by this humidifier is just some degrees above room temperature. It is handy, especially for children during winter nights, and can prevent a stuffy nose and a dry mouth.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Suitable for medium to large rooms | It is not budget-friendly |
| Adjustable dual faced nozzle | It doesn’t have a built-in humidistat |
| It has a large tank and a high output | It is prone to leaks |
| It has antimicrobial protection |
5) Air innovations MH-701BA cool mist digital humidifier
Special features: include a 1.7-gallon water tank, permanent ceramic filter, antimicrobial tank and base, five mist settings, adjustable humidistat, 15’ long neck attachment, and multi-direction nozzle.
This humidifier is a top rated product from Air innovations that is versatile and caters to different tastes and preferences. Its 1.7-gallon tank can run for up to 36 hours on the highest mist setting, of which there are 5.
It comes with a 15’ long neck attachment that, along with the 360°nozzle, helps distribute the mist to every nook and cranny of your room. It can efficiently humidify rooms that are up to 600 sq. Ft. and it maintains humidity with its built-in, adjustable humidistat.
This product contains a permanent filter, so you won’t have to replace the filter regularly, helping you save money. It is quiet and unobtrusive and can be used in a baby’s room.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Long neck attachment and a 360° nozzle | Tends to leak if it isn’t set up well |
| Easy to clean and use | Emits white dust if hard water is used. |
| Antimicrobial protection | |
| Humidify large rooms | |
| It is baby-friendly |
What causes dry mouth while sleeping?
Dry mouth occurs when your salivary glands aren’t making enough saliva to keep your mouth, tongue, and throat wet. This can be more pronounced when you’re asleep. There are many different reasons you’re experiencing dry mouth. The cause of your dry mouth will determine the treatment.
Aging
Dry mouth occurs more frequently in older people. This could be as a result of the body’s reduced ability to process medication, or poor nutrition and long-term health challenges.
Medications
Dry mouth is a side effect of a lot of medicines. Over-the-counter pain medications, antidepressants, antihistamines, decongestants, muscle relaxants, and some drugs used to treat blood pressure can cause dry mouth.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy, especially radiation done to the head, can cause damage to the salivary glands and how they produce saliva. This irregular saliva production can cause you to experience dry mouth and throat, especially at night.
A side effect of certain medical conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, mumps, and Alzheimer’s disease can leave the sufferer with dry mouth. Snoring and breathing through the mouth, especially at night can also lead to dry mouth.
Lifestyle
A lifestyle of smoking, drinking alcohol, and chewing tobacco can affect your saliva production and lead to xerostomia. Taking recreational drugs, e.g., methamphetamine can cause what is known as ‘meth mouth’, a condition in which the person suffers from severe dry mouth and bad teeth. Use of marijuana can also cause dry mouth.
Nerve damage
Nerve damage or trauma to the head can affect the nerves that deliver feeling to the mouth resulting in a sensation of dry mouth.
Dehydration
Dehydration is a direct cause of dry mouth. Dry mouth can also occur during pregnancy due to dehydration from breastfeeding and hormonal changes. This is often accompanied by nausea.
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Side effects of dry mouth on oral health
A sufferer of dry mouth will experience the following symptoms
- Dry, sticky saliva
- Cracked, split skin on the sides on the mouth
- Sores on the lips and mouth
- Bad breath
- Dry, sore nose and throat
- A dry, sore tongue
- Decreased ability to speak, chew, taste and swallow food
Saliva is vital in maintaining the good health of the mouth and throat. So when it isn’t produced properly, it causes the above symptoms. When you notice such symptoms, it is advisable for you to find a remedy as soon as possible.
Dry mouth that is left unmanaged can cause serious dental problems, like yeast infection in the mouth (thrush), bad teeth, plaque, gum disease, sialadenitis (salivary gland infection), etc.
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Treatment for dry mouth
Dry mouth can only be remedied by keeping the mouth lubricated and stimulating the flow and production of saliva. Certain home remedies help you manage your dry mouth.
- Drink water and other noncarbonated drinks constantly
- Suck on ice chips and sugar-free candy throughout the day
- Brush with a toothpaste that contains fluoride and rinse with a mouthwash that doesn’t contain alcohol
- Consciously breathe through your nose and not your mouth
- Eat plenty of carrots and celery. Chewing promotes saliva production
- Use a humidifier in your room while you sleep at night. The best humidifier for dry mouth is one that can produce enough moisture throughout the night.
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How to prevent getting a dry mouth while sleeping?
As we all know that prevention is better than cure. The easiest and best way to eliminate dry mouth during your sleep hours is by putting a humidifier in your room. Humidifiers work by creating mist and vapor and distributing it around the room they’re in.
Conclusion: Best Humidifiers for Dry Mouth, Nose and Throat
After thoroughly analyzing the products, the Air Innovations MH-701BA cool mist digital humidifier narrowly beat out the Bionaire ultrasonic warm and cool mist humidifiers as the best humidifier for dry mouth at night. It has five different mist output settings and can humidify a room instantly when put on turbo.
Its neck attachment and 360° nozzle make it unique, which you can use to customize your humidification experience. It can run all night, keeping your airway well moisturized. The Honeywell HCM 710 cool mist humidifier is another good choice if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly product.
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