Is dry mouth a sign of pregnancy?

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During pregnancy, your body will need more water than usual to provide for the growing fetus. Hormonal changes during pregnancy also cause dehydration. So, dry mouth can sometimes be a side effect of pregnancy. However, there are many potential causes of dry mouth during pregnancy. Some of the more common causes are dehydration, gestational diabetes, sleep disorders...

1. Dry mouth is a sign of pregnancy

Dry mouth is a very common symptom of pregnancy. This is partly because you need more water than usual during pregnancy, because the fetus needs water to grow. Another reason is that hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect your oral health. In addition to dry mouth during pregnancy, gingivitis and loose teeth are common symptoms during pregnancy. Certain conditions during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, can also cause dry mouth.

2. Causes of dry mouth during pregnancy

There are many potential causes of dry mouth during pregnancy. Some of the more common causes are dehydration.

2.1. Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when the body loses water faster than it takes in. It can be especially dangerous for pregnant women. This is because water helps your baby grow. You need more water during pregnancy than usual. So, pregnancy dry mouth is a common symptom
In severe cases, dehydration during pregnancy can be the cause of birth defects or premature birth.
Other signs of dehydration include:
Feeling too hot Dark yellow urine Extreme thirst Fatigue Dizziness Headache

2.2. Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes only happens during pregnancy and can cause you to have high blood sugar. This condition usually goes away after giving birth.
You need more insulin than usual during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes occurs when your body can't make more insulin.
Gestational diabetes can cause problems for you and your baby, but it can also be controlled with proper care. The mainstay of treatment is adjusting to a healthy diet and exercise. You may need medication or insulin.
Many women with gestational diabetes will have no symptoms or only a few mild symptoms. In this case, gestational diabetes will be detected thanks to a test done to all pregnant women. If you have symptoms, in addition to dry mouth, there may be other symptoms such as:
Thirst Fatigue The need to urinate more than usual

2.3. Thrush

Thrush is an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans. Everyone has a small amount of fungus, but candida can overgrow if the immune system isn't working as well as it should.
Thrush can cause a dry, cottony feeling in your mouth, in addition to:
Small white, cheese-like lesions on the tongue and cheeks, and may bleed if touched Red in your mouth Sore mouth Loss of taste

2.4. Sleep problems

Pregnancy can cause many sleep problems, from not being able to fall asleep to waking frequently throughout the night. It can also lead to breathing problems, including snoring and sleep apnea.
Snoring is especially common during the second and third trimesters. Sleep disturbances are common in patients who are overweight, smoke, sleep deprived, or have conditions such as enlarged tonsils.
Your changing hormones can also cause your throat and nasal passages to narrow, leading to breathing problems.
Snoring and sleep apnea will cause you to breathe through your mouth while sleeping. This makes it difficult to salivate and dry out your mouth.
Sleep apnea can be serious. If you snore while you sleep and feel very tired during the day, see your doctor.

3. Symptoms of dry mouth during pregnancy

In addition to feeling dry mouth, symptoms of dry mouth during pregnancy can include:
Persistent sore throat Difficulty swallowing Dryness inside your nose Burning sensation in your throat or mouth Difficulty speaking Hoarseness Changes sense of taste Tooth decay

4. Treatment of dry mouth during pregnancy.

In many cases, home remedies are enough to treat your dry mouth. Safe home remedies during pregnancy include:
Chewing sugar-free gum. This can help encourage your mouth to produce more saliva. Eat sugar-free hard candies. This also encourages your mouth to produce more saliva. Drink a lot of water. This will help keep you hydrated and relieve some of your symptoms. Swallow the shaved ice. Not only will this give you fluids and moisten your mouth, but it can also help with nausea during pregnancy. Use a humidifier at night. This is especially helpful if you wake up with a dry mouth. Practice good oral hygiene. Brush and floss regularly to help prevent tooth decay. Use mouthwash specifically for dry mouth. You can find it at your regular pharmacy. Skip the coffee. Avoid caffeine as much as possible.

In some cases, you may need to be treated by a doctor. Potential clinical treatments include:Working with your doctor to change medications that may be making your dry mouth worse.
Wear a fluoride tray at night to help protect your teeth. Treat snoring or sleep apnea if the cause is dry mouth. Treat thrush with an antifungal medication if that's what's causing your dry mouth. Establish a management plan for gestational diabetes, including diet, exercise, and medication or insulin if needed.

5. When to see a doctor

If home remedies don't help your dry mouth, you should see your doctor. They can look for the underlying cause and prescribe treatment if necessary.
You should also see your doctor if you have other symptoms of:
Thrush: White, cheese-like lesions in the mouth and red or painful sores in the mouth. Gestational diabetes: Excessive thirst, fatigue and the need to urinate more often. Tooth decay: Toothache that doesn't go away, tooth sensitivity, and brown or black spots on the teeth. Severe dehydration: Disorientation, passing black or bloody stools and not being able to keep fluids down. Sleep apnea: Fatigue during the day, snoring, and frequent awakenings at night. Hormonal changes and increased water requirements can lead to dry mouth while you are pregnant. Fortunately, there are many ways to relieve this symptom, from increasing your water intake to chewing sugar-free gum. If home remedies don't relieve dry mouth or you have other symptoms of conditions like gestational diabetes, see your doctor.
At Vinmec International General Hospital, there is a package maternity service as a solution to help pregnant women feel secure because of the companionship of the medical team throughout the pregnancy. When choosing Maternity Package, pregnant women can:
The pregnancy process is monitored by a team of qualified doctors Regular check-up, early detection of abnormalities Maternity package helps to facilitate the process. birthing process Newborns get comprehensive care

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: healthline.com