Pregnancy is an exciting time — but your body will go through all sorts of changes and symptoms along the way. Dry mouth is a lesser-known pregnancy symptom, but it’s worth looking into because it can have an unexpected impact on your oral health. Luckily, there are a number of simple ways to treat dry mouth during pregnancy. Here, we’ll break down what dry mouth is, how to treat it, and provide other helpful tips for oral health during pregnancy.
Why do I have dry mouth during pregnancy?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to a lack of saliva, also known as xerostomia. This condition isn’t just uncomfortable, it can also affect your oral health. Without enough saliva to wash away food particles and control bacteria in your mouth, your teeth and gums are more susceptible to plaque buildup and cavities. In addition to hormonal changes, your dry mouth could also be a symptom of gestational diabetes. According to the UK National Health Service (NHS), this type of diabetes occurs when pregnant women have high blood pressure. Fortunately, this condition usually goes away after pregnancy.
How to relieve dry mouth at home
If you are experiencing dry mouth during pregnancy, talk to your doctor so they can detect any underlying conditions other than hormonal changes, such as gestational diabetes. If you are looking for a quick fix, follow these simple solutions to relieve dry mouth during pregnancy:
Increase your fluid intake to stimulate saliva – drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
Sucking on small ice cubes can also help reduce nausea.
Keep sugar-free candy and sugar-free gum handy – they also help stimulate saliva production.
Try running a humidifier in your room while you sleep.
Pregnant Oral Care & Proper Nutrition
During pregnancy, maintaining good oral care habits is more important than ever. Dry mouth is a potential problem, but other specific oral health issues during pregnancy also require special attention. You may experience conditions such as pregnancy gingivitis and “pregnancy gingivitis” – non-cancerous overgrowths of tissue on the gums. That’s why it’s so important to maintain good oral hygiene during pregnancy, which means brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth daily with dental floss, an oral irrigator or other interdental cleaning device.
Your baby’s teeth start to develop between the third and sixth months of pregnancy — so making healthy dietary choices is important not only for your oral health, but also for your baby’s. Foods like leafy greens, carrots, nuts, and dairy will help keep your gums and teeth in great shape, thanks to nutrients like Calcium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. Cutting back on sugary foods can also improve your oral health, as sugary and starchy foods make your mouth an ideal environment for bacteria to grow, leading to acids that attack tooth enamel. And see your dentist regularly during pregnancy. Since dental professionals recommend not getting professional cleanings during the first and third trimesters, the second trimester is the best time to see your dentist and consider scheduling a cleaning.
Dry mouth during pregnancy isn’t just an uncomfortable symptom of pregnancy — it can also put you at risk for dental problems like cavities or infections. Luckily, the treatment options are pretty easy. Staying hydrated, maintaining a good oral care routine, and eating a healthy diet can all help keep your mouth (and your baby’s developing teeth) healthy.