Ask a Dentist: Solutions for Dry Mouth and Teeth Grinding at Night

Waking up with a sore jaw and a mouth as dry as the desert?

You might be dealing with a double sleep disruptor:
Dry mouth and nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism).

We asked dental professionals what really causes these issues—and more importantly, how to fix them before they damage your smile or destroy your sleep.

This post breaks down:

• The connection between dry mouth and grinding
  
  
• Dentist-approved solutions
  
  
• And how the right kind of mouthguard can address both problems at once
  

What Causes Dry Mouth at Night?

According to Dr. Jason H., DDS:

“Most dry mouth cases during sleep are caused by mouth breathing, medications, or reduced saliva production while sleeping. Add in teeth grinding, and you’ve got a recipe for enamel erosion and inflamed gums.”

Common culprits:

• Sleeping with your mouth open
  
  
• Certain medications (antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure meds)
  
  
• Dehydration
  
  
• Alcohol or caffeine before bed
  
  
• Anxiety or stress
  
  
• Sleep apnea or nasal blockages
  

What Causes Teeth Grinding at Night?

Dr. Lindsay M., TMJ specialist, explains:

“Bruxism isn’t just a bad habit—it’s your body’s response to stress, misalignment, or airway instability. Many people grind to unconsciously protect their airway or stabilize their jaw."

Look for:

• Morning jaw soreness or headaches
  
  
• Tooth sensitivity
  
  
• Worn or flattened molars
  
  
• Clicking or popping in the jaw
  
  
• Nighttime awakenings without reason
  

Why They Often Show Up Together

Here’s the catch:
Mouth breathing → dry mouth → jaw instability → grinding.
And then grinding worsens inflammation, dries the mouth more, and irritates the jaw.

It’s a vicious cycle.

Dentist-Recommended Solutions for Dry Mouth

1. Encourage Nasal Breathing

“Train yourself to breathe through your nose by clearing your sinuses before bed. Saline sprays, nasal strips, and humidifiers help a lot.”
– Dr. Sara L., DDS

2. Stay Hydrated—Earlier in the Day
Drink most of your water before 8 PM to avoid midnight bathroom trips.

3. Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine at Night
Both dry the mouth and increase grinding risk.

4. Consider a Xylitol Mouth Spray or Gel
These stimulate saliva production and balance oral pH.

5. Use a Mouthguard That Supports a Closed Jaw

“If the jaw hangs open at night, dry mouth gets worse. A guard like Reviv helps keep the jaw aligned and gently closed.”
 – Dr. Ryan C., General Dentist

Dentist-Recommended Solutions for Grinding

1. Wear a Night Guard—But Choose the Right Kind

Not all mouthguards are created equal.

“Boil-and-bite guards can help, but you need one that doesn’t just ‘block grinding’—it needs to align the bite, relax the jaw, and support nasal breathing.”
– Dr. Katie S., TMJ Specialist

👉 That’s why Reviv Mouth Guard is recommended by thousands of users and professionals. It’s thin, remoldable, and designed for comfort + function.

2. Manage Stress
Since most bruxism is stress-related, consider:

• Deep breathing or guided meditation before bed
  
  
• Limiting blue light
  
  
• Magnesium glycinate
  
  
• Jaw massage
  

3. Fix Your Sleep Posture

“Side sleeping with poor head alignment strains the TMJ. Use a pillow that keeps your neck and jaw in neutral alignment.”
– Dr. Melissa T., Sleep Dentist

4. Address Your Bite and Airway
If grinding persists, ask your dentist or orthodontist about:

• Bite imbalances
  
  
• Narrow palates
  
  
• Mouth breathing or sleep apnea
  

The Role of the Right Mouthguard (According to Dentists)

Dentists agree:
A well-designed night guard can help with both dry mouth and grinding—when it’s made right.

Look for one that:

✅ Supports passive jaw alignment
✅ Keeps the mouth gently closed
✅ Encourages nasal breathing
✅ Doesn’t push the jaw backward (this can worsen apnea)
✅ Is thin enough to sleep in comfortably

The Reviv Mouth Guard is:

• Comfortable
  
  
• Remoldable
  
  
• Designed to support your airway
  
  
• Affordable compared to $900 dental splints
  

“It’s one of the few guards I actually recommend to patients who can’t do a full custom splint.”
 – Dr. Bryan N., Private Practice

Final Thoughts: Ask the Right Questions. Protect Your Sleep and Smile.

You don’t need to suffer through dry mouth, clenching, and dental damage.

✅ Support your airway
✅ Hydrate wisely
✅ De-stress your system
✅ And wear a night guard that actually fits your jaw and life

👉 Start with the Reviv Mouth Guard here
 Trusted by dentists. Loved by sleepers. Built to last.

FAQs

1. Can a mouthguard stop dry mouth?
Not directly—but it helps by keeping your mouth closed and supporting nasal breathing.

2. Will Reviv help if I snore?
Yes—especially if your snoring is caused by an open mouth or jaw collapse.

3. What if I have dental work?
Reviv works with most crowns, fillings, and bridges.

4. How long until I see results?
Most users notice relief from clenching and dryness within 3–5 nights.

5. Can I remold it if it doesn’t fit?
 Yes—Reviv is remoldable up to 3 times.