A pregnancy is an exhilarating experience. While there are many positive aspects of becoming a mother, there are also negative aspects, such as the emotional, physical, and mental difficulties that come with being pregnant. While some of these issues may have serious side effects, others are less serious and hence less discussed, but they nonetheless add a little difficulty to our lives. Dry mouth is one such issue that many pregnant women have.

Xerostomia, the medical term for dry mouth or cotton mouth, is not an illness. It's only a sign that something is shifting within your body. It usually manifests in the first trimester of pregnancy, although it can sometimes last into the second and third trimesters. It frequently comes with a metallic taste and unpleasant breath. At night, it is known to get worse.

Common signs of dry mouth are:

• Dried stuffy nose and parched throat.
• Dry, cracked lips
• Rough tongue
• Burning sensation in mouth
• Mouth sores
• Difficulty in chewing, swallowing and talking.
• The tongue may turn pale

Causes of Dry Mouth in Pregnancy

1. Dehydration

Your body now needs more liquids. The amount of water that was previously available usually cannot meet the rising demands. Add to that the water lost from vomiting and frequent urination. The developing fetus also needs water. Under ideal circumstances, a pregnant woman should typically consume six to eight eight-ounce glasses of water each day. Increase your water consumption if you lead an extremely active lifestyle or reside in a hot climate.

2. Hormonal fluctuations

Many hormonal changes occur in the body, particularly during the first trimester. Dry mouth is caused by the mother's decreased salivary production as a result of the elevated progesterone levels that support pregnancy. The American Dental Association states that one of the main causes of dental disorders in pregnant women is decreased salivary flow. Keeping your teeth clean is essential, especially when you're pregnant as any infection could harm the developing fetus.

3. Increased metabolic rates

Your body is now taking care of two live things—you and your infant—while also carrying out normal bodily activities. The body expedites its functions and accelerates the rate at which new cells, nutrients, and enzymes are formed in order to accomplish that efficiently. This entails generating more body heat than before, which needs water to dissipate, and drinking more water than before.

4. Medicines you may be taking

Some medicines that we take are responsible for decreasing salivary secretions and causing a dry mouth. Common medications that cause dry cotton mouth are:

• Anti-anxiety medications
• Anti-depressants
• Anti-histaminic drugs
• Nasal decongestants
• Diuretics
• Sedatives
• Muscle relaxants
• Acne
• Epilepsy etc.

There are a total of 400 drugs that may result in dry mouth. It is extremely important to consult your doctor before taking any drug in pregnancy. Self-treatment may harm your child.

5. Increased blood volume

A pregnant woman's blood volume is 30–50% greater than that of a non-pregnant woman. The baby's growth and development, as well as appropriate nutrition, depend on this rise in blood volume. However, for the mother, this increase means that she must excrete more water and puts greater strain on her kidneys and bladder, which further contributes to dry mouth and a decrease in the amount of water in salivary secretions.

6. Gestational diabetes

Your body is more vulnerable to acquiring diabetes during pregnancy. Uncontrollably high urine production, dry mouth, and insatiable thirst are some of the main signs of diabetes (which also occurs normally during pregnancy). Bad breath and lips that are peeling and cracking are common side effects of this. Diabetes symptoms and "normal" pregnancy symptoms are often confused with one another. Thus, when in doubt, it is always advisable to see a doctor.

7. Hypertension and anemia

Both anemia and hypertension can cause dry mouth. You're already more vulnerable to both of these illnesses when pregnant. These illnesses are typically "silent," meaning that they don't cause any noticeable side effects during the beginning of the illness. Therefore, it is best to consult a physician in order to rule out these illnesses.

Why A Dry Mouth Should Not Be Ignored

A dry mouth may be just another annoying aspect of pregnancy but it should not be ignored because

It may denote an underlying disease: Dry mouth may be caused by dehydration, diabetes, hypertension or anemia. Ignoring it will just aggravate your troubles.

A persistent dry mouth causes dental caries: The dried out tooth enamel is vulnerable to bacteria which may result in dental problems like bad breath, gingivitis, caries etc.

Ways to Keep Your Mouth Moist

Drink lots of water. You may add lime to relieve nausea and stimulate salivary glands. Ice helps in blunting the metallic taste.

Food like carrots, celery sticks, and apple slices help in relieving dry mouth.

Sour, hard, candy or sugar free chewing gums help keep mouth dryness at bay

Avoid exposure to smoke.

Make a conscious effort to breathe through the nose and not the mouth. Try to avoid a blocked nose before sleep

Breathe in steam for about 15-20 minutes daily.

Avoid coffee, soda and alcohol as they cause dehydration

Practice good oral hygiene: brushing, flossing and rinsing twice a day. Use an alcohol free mouthwash.

Home Remedies to Treat Dry Mouth

Coconut water, mild herbal teas with mint and lemon are effective remedies of dry mouth.

Cayenne pepper: A pinch of ground pepper is rubbed over the tongue. It acts as a salivary gland stimulant.

Fennel seeds: Dry roasted fennel seeds, ground on cooling and added to water and salt may be tried.

Grape seed oil: Apply on tongue, leave overnight and rinse with warm water in the morning.

Rinsing your mouth with Aloe-Vera juice can provide quick relief.

Ginger has a long term effect on dry mouth. Moreover, it also helps in maintaining a fresh breath.

Coconut oil: take two table spoons, swish it around the mouth for 10-20 minutes, spit and rinse. This is called oil pulling. It has been proven to give immediate relief from dryness of mouth.

Pregnancy demands a little time, attention and love. With a little care and the right information, it can be a fun experience.

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