Needless to say, a lot of things change as we age. For instance, whenever you see a baby or small child drooling while they sleep, it’s absolutely adorable. However, when you do it as an adult, it’s often just annoying and maybe a little bit embarrassing. Many, many people deal with this problem, but fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to make sure you don’t drool every night. With these handy tips from a dentist in Reston, you can have one less thing to worry about while you try to fall asleep.
1. Try sleeping on your back
Are you a side sleeper? If so, then this could be a big reason why you’re drooling so much. In this position, gravity naturally allows the saliva in your mouth to seep out and onto your pillow. A quick fix is to just try sleeping on your back, in which you’ll simply swallow any excess saliva. It might take a few nights of adjustment if you’re used to sleeping on your side, and if you need a little help, you can actually purchase special pillows online that are designed to make you stay on your back.
2. Treat any allergies or sinus issues
When your nose is congested or blocked, you’ll naturally breathe through your mouth as you sleep, which can quickly lead to drooling. If you’re dealing with any allergies or sinus problems, take the appropriate medication, wear a nose strip to bed, or talk to your doctor about how to get them resolved. If you’re dealing with a deviated septum, you might have to undergo surgery to correct it.
3. Talk to your dentist
Your dentist might not be the first person you think of when it comes to drooling, but if you’re unable to fully close your mouth or lips because of your teeth, then it’s definitely something they can help you with! They may recommend a treatment that changes the alignment of your teeth so you’re able to close your mouth while you sleep, or they might just have you wear a specially-made oral appliance to bed that helps you swallow excess saliva more easily.
Most of the time, drooling is really nothing to be concerned about, but it can sometimes (as in rarely) be the sign of a much more serious health problem. Give these tips a try, and if you still find yourself persistently drooling, give your doctor a call for a checkup. They’ll be able to get to the root of the issue and help you address it directly.
About the Author
Dr. Farshad Bakhtyari, or “Dr. B” as he’s called by his patients, is a general, restorative, and cosmetic dentist who currently practices at Premier Dental Care in Herndon. A graduate of the prestigious Boston University, he’s able to help patients with a wide variety of issues concerning their teeth and mouth, including drooling! To learn more about how he can help you wake up with a dry pillow every morning, he can be contacted through his website.