Bitter mouth during pregnancy is one of the most common complaints experienced by some pregnant women. This condition can make pregnant women lose their appetite and can have an impact on the health of the fetus. So, what causes a bitter mouth during pregnancy and how to deal with it?
Bitter mouth during pregnancy often occurs in the early trimester of pregnancy and is generally caused by hormonal changes. Although it can go away on its own, bitter mouth sometimes makes some pregnant women lose their appetite. This of course will affect the development of the fetus in the womb.
Causes of Bitter Mouth During Pregnancy
The following are some of the conditions that can cause a bitter mouth during pregnancy:
1. Problems with teeth
Teeth that are not cleaned regularly can trigger a buildup of bacteria in the mouth that can cause dental problems, such as gingivitis and tooth infections.
Problems with the teeth is what makes the mouth taste bitter. Therefore, pregnant women are recommended to clean their teeth regularly to reduce the buildup of bacteria in the mouth.
2. Morning sickness
Bitter mouth during pregnancy is also closely related to morning sickness. So far, it is not known with certainty the relationship between morning sickness and a bitter taste in the mouth during pregnancy. However, this may be influenced by pregnancy hormones that cause disturbances in the tongue.
3. Stomach acid disease
Stomach acid disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which stomach acid and digestive enzymes rise from the stomach to the esophagus (esophagus).
This condition can be caused by the habit of lying down after eating, consumption of spicy food, smoking and excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, and stress.
4. Take multivitamin supplements
Vitamin and mineral intake during pregnancy is very important, especially folic acid and iron. However, one of the side effects of pregnant supplements containing iron is a bitter taste in the mouth. Therefore, make sure pregnant women always take pregnancy supplements at the right dose.
5. Consumption of drugs
Pregnant women are generally given vitamins or certain drugs by obstetricians to support the health of the mother and fetus. However, in some cases, the side effects of certain medications can cause a bitter taste on the tongue. Usually, the bitter taste in the mouth does not last long and will go away on its own.
6. Exposure to chemicals
Another cause of a bitter taste in the mouth during pregnancy is exposure to chemicals that are accidentally inhaled. When inhaling substances containing mercury or lead, the mouth will taste bitter. Therefore, pregnant women are advised to avoid exposure to chemicals, such as cigarette smoke.
How to Overcome a Bitter Mouth During Pregnancy
In general, there is no specific treatment to get rid of bitter mouth during pregnancy. However, there are several ways that pregnant women can try to do at home to relieve the discomfort that arises, including:
- Drink plenty of water and chew sugar-free gum to increase saliva production.
- Limit fatty and spicy foods that can trigger stomach acid to rise.
- Consumption of fruit that contains vitamin C, because the sour taste contained in it can help get rid of a bitter mouth.
- Eat smaller portions but often and chew slowly.
- Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke and limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
- Take care of your oral hygiene and check your dental health regularly to the doctor every 6 months.
- Use mouthwash or mouthwash.
If some of the steps above are not able to get rid of a bitter mouth during pregnancy, immediately consult a doctor for this condition. It is possible that the bitter mouth that pregnant women experience is caused by certain and more serious medical conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, which requires treatment and treatment from a doctor.