Excessive Saliva During Pregnancy (Gravidic Ptyalism)

Saliva is a watery fluid secreted by glands in the mouth. It plays an important role in chewing, digestion, protection against infection, speech, and taste. But what happens when more saliva than necessary is produced?

Excessive saliva production during pregnancy (gravid ptyalism) is a mental and physical condition that can be very uncomfortable and unpleasant.

It usually occurs during the first three months and can become a cause for concern for the mother. Several doubts about this annoying situation are resolved below.

There’s also a possibility of tooth discomfort during this stage. Fortunately, we have thorough information on dental pain during pregnancy that can assist you in knowing what to do.

What is Ptyalism?

Ptyalism (also called hypersalivation or sialorrhea) refers to the excessive production of saliva. A person suffering from ptyalism could produce more than 2 liters of saliva a day. It can occur in pregnant women from the first weeks of pregnancy. Generally, it disappears after the first trimester; however, in some cases, it only stops at the time of delivery.

What does it feel like to have ptyalism?

Often, excessive saliva production can lead to various complications:

•Difficulty speaking

•Distension of the cheeks

•Swollen salivary glands

• Sleeping problems

•Fatigue and tiredness

•Bad taste in the mouth

•Decreased appetite

•Depression

•Difficulty relating to other people

•Increased feeling of nausea

What Causes Excess Saliva During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the hormones produced are responsible for changes in the body that enable and finally give birth. They include estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and relaxin, among others.

It is known that saliva secretion is regulated by the nervous system, and it is believed that some hormones, such as those mentioned above, can affect this system by increasing salivary flow.

However, so far this has not been proven, and the specific cause of ptyalism during pregnancy remains a mystery. To learn more about what causes excessive mouth-watering, you can check out this article.

When can Ptyalism be Expected?

Ptyalism is thought to be more common in women who have:

•Family members who have suffered from ptyalism during pregnancy.

•A personal history of nausea or vomiting during pregnancy.

What to do About it?

So far, no 100% effective treatment for hypersalivation has been found, but some tips may offer help:

•Drink plenty of water to dilute the saliva produced to make it easier to swallow.

•Chewing sugarless gum can make it easier to swallow excess saliva.

•Avoid foods that induce excessive salivation, especially those containing starch: bread, rice, potatoes, etc.

•Do not use alcohol rinses, as they could generate a sensation of dryness in the mouth.

•Maintaining strict oral hygiene can prevent a bad taste in your mouth that can increase nausea.

In cases where excessive salivation does not disappear after the third month of pregnancy and significantly affects the quality of life of the mother, it is possible to resort to other treatments that, although they do not eliminate the condition, can help reduce its intensity.

These alternatives should always be used under the approval and supervision of a doctor or dentist:

•Acupuncture

•Hypnosis

•Use of medications to reduce salivary flow

Is Excessive Saliva During Pregnancy a Reason to Worry?

Suffering from ptyalism during pregnancy should not be a concern, as it does not pose any risk to the baby or the mother. So far, hypersalivation has not been related to complications before, during, or after delivery.

Furthermore, it has been shown that in all cases of excessive saliva production during pregnancy, the condition ceases after giving birth.

Does Ptyalism Depend Upon the Sex of the Baby?

This topic still generates a lot of controversy. Although a study carried out in 2018, (which included 963 pregnant women) showed that the sex of the baby did not increase the risk of ptyalism during pregnancy, other analyses have shown that this condition is more common when the baby is a boy.

However, it is not something that has been proven with certainty.

Conclusion

Although ptyalism during pregnancy is a harmless condition, it can significantly affect the expectant mother’s quality of life. There are no 100% effective treatments, but there are some ways to decrease saliva production.

In most cases, this uncomfortable condition disappears after the first trimester of pregnancy, but when this does not happen, it is possible to request a professional treatment that improves the quality of life.