Here’s what could be causing it and some other information you should know
Pregnant, dry mouth Would it surprise you to discover that up to 20% of people suffer from dry mouth, including pregnant women?
Everyone knows that pregnancy is a time of total excitement and happiness, but it can also be a not-so-fun time of uncomfortable dry mouth symptoms for some expectant mothers. Standard symptoms include constant sore throat, slurred speech, tooth decay and more.
The truth is that dry mouth is actually very common during pregnancy and usually occurs during the first trimester (weeks 1-12). Oh, and if you’re wondering why your mouth feels drier when you wake up, it’s because the symptoms get worse at night.
So what causes pregnancy-related dry mouth?
Let’s get to it: dry mouth occurs during pregnancy for several different reasons. The following are some of the most common causes:
1 – Increased blood production in pregnancy
To accommodate the growing body, pregnant women produce more blood than women who are not pregnant. When there is more blood traveling through the body, more water is retained, causing dry mouth. Not to mention that the body excretes more of its fluids when there is an increase in blood production, which worsens dry mouth symptoms. Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes (high blood sugar) that only occurs in pregnant women. It is the result of the body not being able to produce enough of the hormone insulin, which is in full demand during pregnancy.
2- Infection by aphthous ulcers in pregnancy
“Candida albicans,” more commonly known as yeast, is a fungus found in all bodies, pregnant or not. Candidiasis develops when there is an overgrowth of yeast, and that is what causes a dry, “cottony” feeling in the mouth.
3- Other causes of dry mouth include:
Sleeping problems
Medication side effects.
Increased metabolism
Changes in hormones.
Dehydration
Dry mouth symptoms in pregnancy
- Constant sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dryness inside the nose
- Burning sensation in the throat or mouth.
- Difficulty in speaking
- Change in speech (hoarseness)
- Change in the sense of taste
- Dental caries
- Headaches
- Metallic taste in the mouth.
- Hot flashes
- Abdominal discomfort
- Dry and chapped lips
Are there other health problems related to dry mouth during pregnancy?
In addition to gestational diabetes, experiencing dry mouth may indicate some other conditions, including a common blood disorder called anemia and high blood pressure.
If you are pregnant and have dry mouth, you should always talk to your dental health care provider, even if the symptoms seem subtle and do not cause you any pain.
Useful tips to relieve dry mouth in pregnancy
There are many ways to temporarily relieve uncomfortable symptoms. Below are some folk remedies that may help:
- Chew sugarless chewing gum to stimulate saliva
- Practice good oral health habits, don’t forget to floss and brush!
- Eat a balanced and nutritious diet: try to skip spicy and acidic foods.
- Sleep with a humidifier at night.
- Drink more water or suck on ice chips to keep your mouth moist.
- Avoid alcohol mouthwashes.
