{"id":48986,"date":"2018-01-18T19:21:36","date_gmt":"2018-01-19T03:21:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.emergencydentistsusa.com\/?p=48986"},"modified":"2019-02-01T10:56:44","modified_gmt":"2019-02-01T18:56:44","slug":"dry-mouth-during-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.emergencydentistsusa.com\/dry-mouth-during-pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"Dry Mouth During Pregnancy: Causes and Remedies"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Pregnancy comes with a slew of side effects most women are happy to endure because it means they get to be moms at the end of nine months. Unfortunately, some of the side effects are more unpleasant than others and can interfere with how you feel on a daily basis. The last thing you want when you are growing a baby is to feel any more uncomfortable than necessary, so whenever possible, you should do what you can to alleviate the side effects of pregnancy.<\/p>\n

One of the most common issues that occur when you\u2019re pregnant is dry mouth<\/a>. Most women experience at least a mild bout of dry mouth during pregnancy. It\u2019s the body\u2019s way of reminding you to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water to keep the amniotic sac<\/a> hydrated. Drinking plenty of water during pregnancy also prevents headaches<\/a> and helps you sleep better, despite the added trips to the bathroom!<\/p>\n

But what about when dry mouth is more than mild and interferes with your daily life while pregnant. Is it cause for concern and what can you do to remedy the problem?<\/p>\n

What\u2019s Causing Dry Mouth during Pregnancy?<\/h3>\n

Occasional thirst is normal and your desire to drink water will likely increase when you\u2019re pregnant. It\u2019s normal and it makes sense\u2014after all, you\u2019re drinking for two!<\/p>\n

But what if you\u2019re downright parched during pregnancy or start experiencing bad breath? Are you waking up with a dry mouth and throat? Do you struggle to chug enough water to prevent thirst, even though it feels as if you are drinking gallons per day?<\/p>\n

There are a few reasons for this.<\/h3>\n

First, your thirst could be triggered by hormonal changes. Women tend to experience dry mouth more during their first trimester, as their bodies adjust to pregnancy. These shifts in hormones can cause your body to produce less saliva, which means you\u2019ll feel thirsty and have dry mouth. And it can also trigger other oral health<\/a> issues because saliva is so important. For instance, without enough saliva, you face a greater risk for tooth decay and bacterial growth. You\u2019ll also find it difficult to speak, chew, and swallow if dry mouth is a problem.<\/p>\n

Chances are a short bout of dry mouth and lips early in pregnancy isn\u2019t going to be enough to rot your teeth and give you bad breath<\/a>, but if the problem continues for more than a week or two, you\u2019ll want to speak to your doctor about it. It could be that your salivary glands are not functioning properly and, therefore, saliva production is reduced casing your dry mouth.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also important to consider if you\u2019re overexerting yourself during pregnancy. This can lead to dry mouth, dry lips, and dehydration because you\u2019ll be losing water when you sweat. For instance, if you were active before pregnancy and exercised on a regular basis, and your doctor OKs maintaining that regimen once you\u2019re pregnant (good for you!), you\u2019ll need more water than before to rehydrate.<\/p>\n

You might be doing the same things in your workout as before, but because you are pregnant your body has to work harder to achieve those things\u2014leaving you extra thirsty and suffering from a dry mouth.<\/p>\n

\n\u201cHealthy salivary flow is one of the most important and first defenses against tooth decay. Saliva contains microorganisms that help fight cavity-causing bacteria, not to mention the natural cleansing effect it has on the teeth.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Andrew B. Jordan<\/a>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Signs of a Complication<\/h3>\n

If you increase your water intake and it\u2019s still not helping, your dry mouth could be a symptom of a complication with your pregnancy. Don\u2019t panic\u2014in most cases, you\u2019ll be able to treat the problem and have a healthy pregnancy. But it\u2019s also important not to ignore the problem because untreated, these issues can be serious.<\/p>\n

One fairly common cause of dry mouth during pregnancy is gestational diabetes<\/a>. Thirst is often associated with diabetes and the kind brought on by pregnancy is no exception.<\/p>\n

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The important thing is to see your doctor and confirm a diagnosis of gestational diabetes. Untreated, gestational diabetes can lead to problems including:<\/p>\n