Can Sleep Apnea Cause You to Drool?

Do you tend to wake up and find a wet spot on your pillow where your mouth was? Have you ever woken up with sore or chapped lips, especially at the corners? These can be clear indications that you were drooling while sleeping. While this might seem like a harmless situation, it may be due to a more serious issue, such as sleep apnea. Read on to learn how these two conditions are connected and what you can do to treat them.

What Causes You to Drool?

In most cases, drooling is harmless and nothing to worry about. This typically happens when you either produce too much saliva while sleeping or it escapes easily from your mouth (like when you’re laying face down). Drooling is also more likely to occur if you struggle with nasal congestion or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Certain medications can cause you to salivate as a side effect. If this happens now and then, or you’re certain about the cause, then you might have nothing to worry about. That said, there’s still the possibility that you’re experiencing sleep apnea.

The Connection Between Drooling & Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is the condition of repeated pauses in breathing whenever you’re asleep. These intervals happen when the tissues in your throat block the airflow. Often, people who struggle with sleep apnea tend not to breathe easily from their noses and end up resting with their mouths open. This is what allows saliva to escape.

To know if you’re drooling due to sleep apnea, here are a few other symptoms to look out for:

• Feeling exhausted despite having 7-8 hours of sleep
• Frequent, loud snoring
• Mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating
• Having to urinate frequently at night

How to Stop Drooling & Treat Sleep Apnea

If you suspect you might have sleep apnea, you’ll want to schedule an appointment sooner rather than later. If left unchecked, this condition can negatively impact both your sleep cycle and overall health. By visiting your dentist, they can perform a thorough screening and go over your treatment options.

One solution is an oral sleep appliance—a small mouthguard that realigns your lower jaw to allow for improved breathing. Since this device is foreign to your mouth, you might have increased drooling for a short period. After you’ve acclimated to it, you’ll salivate less and simply enjoy better sleep. If the drooling doesn’t stop, be sure to consult your dentist for help.

While not always a serious condition, drooling could be indicating an issue with sleep apnea. Inform your dentist if you notice any signs of this issue, and they’ll be more than happy to help!

About the Author

Dr. Deborah A. Romack earned her dental doctorate from the Baylor College of Dentistry. She’s also a proud member of numerous prestigious organizations like the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and the Fort Worth District Dental Society. She provides a long list of high-quality services, including oral sleep appliances. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, visit her website or call 817-594-3806.