It's common to hear about morning sickness, tender breasts and a missed period as pregnancy symptoms. However, those are not all the symptoms you can have. Some women experience excessive saliva early on during pregnancy, while others experience it during their 2nd or 3rd week. It is said to be attributed to increased saliva production and reduced swallowing. The good news is that it's perfectly normal and will usually decrease by the end of your first trimester.

Why Do You Produce Excessive Saliva?

1. Hormonal changes can cause more saliva to be produced.

2. When you're suffering from morning sickness and nausea, you might hold back from swallowing due to the unpleasant taste.

3. Heartburn during pregnancy causes the stomach to push up its contents in the oesophagus. To soothe the stomach acids and burning sensation, the oesophagus may produce more saliva.

4. Any oral conditions like tooth decay, dental caries or cavities can cause saliva to increase.

5. Some medication can also react with your salivary glands causing increased saliva production. 

Is Increased Saliva Good For You? 

1. It soothes the burning sensation and neutralises stomach acids.

2. It's a natural defense against any bacteria that may harm your teeth.

3. It starts the digestion process right in your mouth, thereby helping your stomach and intestine easily break down the food.

4. It combats any dry mouth that may be caused due to vitamin supplements.

While the issue of excessive saliva is not a serious one, there are some ways you can reduce the saliva in your mouth. 

1. Exclude carbohydrates and starch from your diet. Instead, add crunchy and fibrous fruits and vegetables to your diet.

2. Visit your dentist to check for any infections or conditions that are causing it.

3. Have smaller meals at more regular intervals.

4. Brush your teeth frequently, and use a mouthwash.

5. Drink water more frequently to keep your saliva in check and to keep you hydrated.

6. By chewing mints or sugarless gum, you can help with the swallowing of saliva.

7. If you’re eating biscuits, opt for the dry, plain ones that soak up the saliva.

While this condition can be ignored, if it becomes too intense and leads to severe vomiting, you can consult your doctor.

 

Author Bio: Prapti Chauhan is a professor of Genetics in Bangalore. She has contributed to several online research papers. However, she passionately develops contents on pregnancy, childbirth, childcare and stem cell banking and umbilical cord lining and more.