Do you have excessive salivation during pregnancy? Here are the factors that influence it

During pregnancy, the mother can see her saliva production increase, which means her mouth continues to fill with saliva. This will certainly make pregnant women uncomfortable and disturbed, especially when they are talking. This condition is known as ptyalism gravidarum.

Ptyalism gravidarum is a certain condition that usually occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy, when salivary glands produce excessive saliva. Pregnant women can produce saliva up to 1 to 2 liters a day, which certainly causes discomfort.

Ptyalism triggers nausea
Saliva often feels bitter, triggers nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. usually occurs early in pregnancy and decreases after the first trimester. Although it seems ordinary, ptyalism usually irritates pregnant women every day. The mouth will be filled with large amounts of saliva continuously, which often will force the mother to spit.

After spitting, your mouth will quickly fill with saliva. This excess saliva production even causes speech disturbances so that saliva does not come out when talking.

The exact cause of this disease is not known with certainty. Ptyalism is associated with hormonal changes in pregnant women. In addition, this condition can also be associated with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

When they are nauseous, mothers usually try not to swallow too often so that saliva does not accumulate in the mouth. Other factors that can cause excessive production of saliva, including heartburn and irritation such as cigarettes.

Factors that influence the occurrence of ptyalism

Several factors play a role in the emergence of ptyalism in pregnant women, namely:

1. Hormonal changes

It is thought that the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which have increased during pregnancy, stimulate the salivary glands to produce excess saliva.

2. Nausea and stomach problems are too acidic
Pregnant women are more prone to stomach problems. One of them is reflux. In this condition, stomach acid flows from the stomach to the esophagus. Gastric acid can irritate the salivary glands, causing it to produce more saliva. Saliva is also needed to neutralize stomach acid that rises into the mouth and neutralize stomach pain.

3. Hyperemesis gravidarum

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition where pregnant women suffer from severe nausea and vomiting. Excessive nausea can prevent the mother from swallowing because saliva swallows nausea.

4. Irritant

Some exposure to substances can increase saliva production, such as cigarettes, dental caries, certain drugs and exposure to poisons such as mercury or pesticides.

Relieves symptoms of ptyalism

Ptyalism cannot be prevented or treated. But you can try this method to relieve the symptoms:

Eat smaller but frequent portions
Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with mouthwash several times a day
Eat gum or suck on candy
Drink more often, little by little. Especially to replace the fluid that is lost when you spit or vomit.
Gargle with cold water
Check the teeth at the dentist to make sure there are no abnormalities in the mouth that cause excessive saliva production
Use a soft towel to wipe the saliva that comes out.
Reduce foods that contain sugar because sugar tends to increase saliva production

If saliva is too pronounced or embarrassed, consult a doctor. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help reduce saliva production.