DRY MOUTH RELIEF DURING PREGNANCY

Pregnancy is an exciting time for many women because their bodies are changing and they are experiencing new concerns and symptoms as a result of those changes. Dry mouth is a lesser-known pregnancy symptom that should be learned about because it can be hazardous to a pregnant woman's health. Many people suffer from dry mouth, often known as xerostomia in medical terms. Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of factors, and many pregnant women who experience it question what to do about it. What can be done for a dry mouth when pregnant? Dry mouth isn't as well-known as some other pregnant symptoms, but it can occur in tandem with nausea and other pregnancy side effects. There are certain things that can be done to help alleviate the problem.

During Pregnancy Why Do Women Suffer From Dry Mouth?

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause a decrease or absence of saliva, a condition known as xerostomia, or dry mouth. The saliva glands must function properly in order for a woman's mouth to stay moist. Too little saliva in the mouth can cause swallowing difficulties, leading to people not eating or getting adequate nutrition. Reduced saliva can also cause people to lose their sense of taste and smell. When the mouth is overly dry, the chances of infection, gingivitis, and tooth decay increase dramatically. Saliva serves a variety of purposes. It makes chewing and swallowing easier by moisturizing the mouth and food. It also protects teeth and gums by washing sugar, germs, and other potentially dangerous items from the mouth. It aids in the neutralization of toxic acids in the mouth, preserving teeth from decay. Saliva is made up of 99 percent water and contains vital minerals, enzymes, and antibodies. It is generated by the salivary glands. These antibodies aid in the prevention of mouth and throat infections. The salivary glands of the average human create about one and a half liters (50 ounces) of saliva per day.

Soreness in the mouth, an inability to taste food, and difficult or painful eating are all symptoms of dry mouth. It's possible that your mouth could seem red and feel parched. There could be cracking around the mouth's corners. The tongue may appear to be pebbled. This disorder also causes halitosis (bad breath) and oral infections. When saliva flow is limited, acid concentrations in the mouth rise dramatically, making xerostomia patients more susceptible to dental decay. Dehydration or not drinking enough water could be the source of the problem. To nourish the baby, a pregnant woman's body is working harder than it has ever worked before. As a result, a pregnant woman's metabolic rate increases, increasing her caloric and hydration requirements. Water helps supply all of the vital nutrients to the placenta and can boost energy and aid digestion in pregnant women. These changes might induce a decrease in saliva, resulting in dry mouth, especially if a woman is still in the first trimester. Dry mouth syndrome is a common cause or exacerbater of halitosis, hence one of the first measures in treating halitosis is to keep the mouth moist at all times. This might be as simple as increasing daily water intake or, in more severe situations, regular use of xerostomia-specific therapies such as mouthwash, gel, or spray. When dry mouth is adequately treated, it usually results in a significant improvement in breath freshness.

Pregnant women have up to 50% more blood flowing through them in order to reach the placenta and meet the baby's demands. As a result, to maintain a high blood volume, the body may retain water during pregnancy, which can cause dry mouth. Extra fluids are expelled through the kidneys as a result of the increased blood volume, resulting in frequent urination and a dry mouth. Because blood volume increases during pregnancy, it is vital to maintain a high fluid intake. This fact alone can cause dry mouth, particularly when the blood volume increases during early pregnancy. A pregnant lady should drink an extra 1-2 cups of water every day to stay hydrated. Xerostomia has a variety of causes, but it is frequently a side effect of medications or therapies used to treat other disorders or diseases. Certain disorders can also cause it directly. A pregnant woman's dry mouth could be an indication of gestational diabetes, in addition to hormonal changes. Gestational diabetes is defined as excessively high blood glucose levels caused by pregnancy, and it happens when pregnant women acquire high blood pressure. It causes extreme thirst and frequent urination. Dehydration caused by vomiting, severe perspiration, diarrhea, blood loss, or a fever in a pregnant woman is likely to cause comparable symptoms. Another underlying reason could be medications such as antihistamines, painkillers, decongestants, diuretics, antidepressants, or other prescription pharmaceuticals. There are currently between 400 and 3,000 drugs on the market, with dry mouth mentioned as a side effect. Make sure to talk to a doctor about which medications are safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as any supplements or probiotics being taking.

How to Relieve Dry Mouth

Dry mouth during pregnancy is not only an unpleasant symptom of pregnancy, but it can also put a woman at risk for tooth decay and infections. There is currently no cure for dry mouth; however, most health professionals would recommend increased hydration and the use of oral moisturizers such as a dry mouth mouthwash or oral rinse to start. Increasing your fluid intake is the simplest strategy to alleviate dry mouth during pregnancy. It's critical to stay hydrated to avoid dry mouth. A woman should consume ten 8oz cups of fluids each day, ideally water, while pregnant. Other good options are coconut water, tea, and fruit juice. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, and carry a water bottle to keep the mouth moist and fresh. A lady has to drink extra water if her pee is dark yellow. If it's clear yellow, it's time to hydrate. Sucking on ice chips or frozen fruit throughout the day will keep a pregnant woman's mouth moist and alleviate any mouth sores. Sucking or eating sugarless hard candy or chewing gum can help to keep the mouth moisturized and encourage saliva flow. Chewing ginger or drinking ginger tea may provide relief by stimulating salivary glands and refreshing the mouth. In addition, ginger can aid with morning sickness during pregnancy. Because of their wetness, foods in a more liquid state may be simpler to eat. Coffee, soda, and alcohol all dehydrate the body and dry out the mouth, so it's better to stay away from them during pregnancy. Sugary and salty foods irritate and dry up an already parched mouth, so it is best to refrain from eating them.

Breathing through the nose is the best way to go. If breathing via the mouth instead of the nose takes place for an extended period of time, the mouth will become dry. Steam breathing for 10-15 minutes every day helps to open up the airways and soothes dry mouth. Using a humidifier at night helps with dry mouth by retaining moisture in the air. To avoid bacteria and mold formation, empty and clean the humidifier on a regular basis. Bacteria thrive in warm, damp environments, therefore choosing a “cool mist” humidifier reduces the danger of bacteria growth. It's also a good idea to stay away from over-the-counter products that promote dry mouth. If over-the-counter therapies are ineffective, saliva-stimulating medications may be recommended. If you think a prescription medicine is causing your dry mouth, see a doctor.

Pregnant Women's Dental Care & Nutrition

The effects of xerostomia on the teeth is one of the most serious issues. The health of a woman's mouth has a direct impact on her entire body and her unborn child. Pregnancy gingivitis and "pregnancy tumors," which are non-cancerous overgrowths of tissue on the gums, might affect a pregnant woman. That's why it's so important to practice good oral hygiene during pregnancy, which includes brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing, using water flossers, or another interdental cleaning device like those from Fairywill. Saliva is a buffering agent with a pH that is higher than the acids produced by the oral microflora. As a result, a lack of saliva in the mouth produces an environment in which bacteria can proliferate quickly and cause cavities significantly more quickly than in a healthy mouth. Bacteria in the mouth can harm the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and other organs. Food can become trapped in the teeth, gums, and back of the mouth, encouraging bacterial development. The inability to fight microorganisms is hampered by the low levels of saliva associated with the illness. Tooth decay, periodontal disease, infections, and poor breath are all likely to be exacerbated by low saliva levels. This illness, if left undiagnosed or untreated, can have a major influence on one's quality of life.

Dental disorders may be more common in pregnant women. Pregnancy hormone fluctuations can induce “pregnancy gingivitis,” which causes gum swelling, bleeding, and pain. While dry mouth is normally not a major problem, if it isn't treated, germs can build up and cause bleeding gums, infections, and tooth damage. An infection in the mouth caused by poor oral hygiene can actually develop infections around the heart, affecting one's health, pregnancy, and baby's health. The impact on oral health may be minimized if detected and treated early. The usage of Fairywill oral care products can help to alleviate symptoms. For maximum dental health, brush twice a day, preferably with a Fairywill electric toothbrush, and floss at least once a day, preferably with a Fairywill water-flosser. Prioritize eating a nutritious diet. Between the third and sixth months of pregnancy, a baby's teeth begin to form, so it's critical to make appropriate eating choices for both the mother and the baby's oral health. Green leafy vegetables, carrots, and almonds are all beneficial for keeping the teeth and gums healthy. Sugary and acidic foods should be avoided. Sugary and starchy foods make the mouth a better home for germs, resulting in acid attacks on the tooth enamel. Eating less sugary foods can help a pregnant woman have a healthier smile. A pregnant woman should make an appointment with a dentist.

Conclusion

One of the many changes a woman's body could go through during pregnancy is dry mouth. It's a pain, but it's readily avoidable and alleviated. The illness is normally not significant, but it can progress to serious dental issues if left untreated, pregnant women are already at a higher risk. Implementing the aforementioned dry mouth instructions and using Fairywill's oral health products on a daily basis should help to improve the situation. If a woman undergoing pregnancy suspects she might have dry mouth, speak with a doctor and dentist about it, as they will be able to diagnose and offer advice. A doctor may be able to replace a prescription or increase the dosage, which may provide relief. To keep the mouth moist, a dentist may recommend or prescribe an oral rinse, which is an artificial saliva product. Fairywill products provide the best in home oral care tools for a happier, healthier mouth.