Are Bad Breath and Hormones Connected?

There are several reasons why a person may experience bad breath—a big meal with onions or garlic, dry mouth, a long night of sleep, or possibly even hormones. Women are more prone to a hormone-bad breath connection, so it’s important for women to regularly visit their doctor as well as their dentist. It’s just as important to recognize the symptoms of hormone-related bad breath and know how to deal with them.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women are more vulnerable to soaring hormones throughout their pregnancy. Researchers have found a correlation between pregnancy and an increased risk of gum disease, which bad breath is linked to due to the decay gum disease causes. It’s suspected that pregnancy hormones change the way the body reacts to bacteria, increasing the risk of bad breath and gum disease. Morning sickness and food cravings in addition to hormones can make this worse.

If you have hormone-related bad breath, continue regular checkups along with dental checkups. Modern medicine has proved that regular cleanings can help expecting mothers remain healthy. Regular cleanings help patients avoid bad breath, gum disease, and pre-term delivery. If you're expecting and have some concerns, consult your OB GYN.

Menopause

Women starting menopause experience a lack estrogen, causing unpleasant side effects like mood swings and hot flashes. Another key side effect is dry mouth, which affects oral health. Dry mouth allows bacteria to develop and grow, ultimately leading to bad breath. Saliva helps keep the mouth clean and fights the bacteria that lead to bad breath.

Keep up with regular teeth cleanings every six months. Also, talk with your doctor about hormone therapies to help manage side effects. Artificial saliva products and synthetic hormones can be given to help you find balance again.

Hormonal Birth Control

If you use oral contraceptives, this elevates specific hormones—progestin and estrogen—in the body to prevent pregnancy. The American Academy of Periodontology has warned that some of these medications can affect oral health and change the way the body reacts to certain bacteria. If you recently started or changed birth control and have been struggling with bad breath, this could be the reason why.

Continue your oral healthcare routine no matter the cause of bad breath. Brushing twice a day with mouthwash helps to kill bacteria that feed off hormonal changes. Talk to your prescribing doctor about side effects you're experiencing.

Whatever the case, bad breath can be prevented. Hormones are something we all must live with, but the side effects from them can be treated through good oral hygiene. With good oral health habits, you can create confidence in your smile and maintain fresh breath despite hormones.

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