Excessive saliva and pregnancy

Excess saliva production – called Having a watery mouth, otherwise known as ptyalism – is a fairly common complaint of early pregnancy.

It’s likely the usual hormonal changes going on inside you that have triggered your watery mouth! Often, an increase in salivation accompanies vomiting episodes brought on by morning sickness and actually makes you feel even worse (as if the nausea wasn’t enough). It’s also possible that the glands that produce saliva are reacting to acids coming back up your esophagus brought on by heartburn or vomiting, as the alkaline in saliva helps to neutralize all the acids.

If you’re suffering with irritating saliva production, speak to your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife, as they’ll be able to help you address the issues that could be causing the problem, such as morning sickness or heartburn. Some women have found that brushing their teeth often with a minty toothpaste throughout the day helps to reduce the saliva production. Drink lots of water and try sucking on a mint. The problem normally disappears after the first trimester.

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The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.