Fresh Breath

Bad Breath During Pregnancy: Causes, Treatment, And Prevention

INTRO/EXEC SUMMARY: Among the many bodily transformations that can occur during pregnancy, an increase in bad breath often emerges as one of the more surprising and unwelcome changes. If you or others have noticed an unpleasant odor when you speak or breathe, rest assured you're not alone. While it doesn't necessarily indicate neglected oral hygiene, the hormonal changes that accompany pregnancy can heighten your susceptibility to the bacteria causing bad breath, also known as halitosis. If this is affecting you, strategies exist to keep your breath fresher, or you can consult your dentist for expert guidance.

If you find yourself asking “why does my breath smell bad,” you’re not alone. Bad breath is common and can have a multitude of causes. Unfortunately, chewing gum or popping a mint into your mouth can only mask the problem for a short time. But there are solutions. Here are some of the causes and treatments of bad breath:

Oral Bacteria
Poor oral hygiene results in plaque bacteria being left behind on your teeth and gums. This bacteria produces foul smelling waste products that cause bad breath. This can lead to gingivitis, tooth decay, and cavities. To keep plaque bacteria to a minimum, brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day. Use a toothpaste that’s proven to fight cavities and plaque bacteria, like Crest® PRO-HEALTH® Advanced Toothpaste. is an excellent option, since it kills 99% of the bacteria that cause bad breath, plaque and gingivitis.
Tobacco use
Smoking is a major cause of bad breath. If you smoke, this is just one of many reasons to quit. Your bad breath may be due to other causes, too, but tobacco use is a guarantee of bad breath. If you’re ready to quit, ask your doctor or dentist for advice and support.
Certain foods or drinks
Some of the things we eat and drink, like coffee and garlic, contribute to bad breath, but only temporarily. Once they are absorbed into the bloodstream, the smell is expelled through the breath, but the odors remain until the body processes the food. To cancel out that coffee and everything bagel breath, keep a travel-sized mouthwash handy in your bag, or a bottle of Crest® PRO-HEALTH® Multi-Protection Mouthwash in your desk drawer at the office.
Dry mouth
If your mouth is extremely dry, it’s because you’re not producing enough saliva to wash away excess food particles and bacteria, which can cause an unpleasant smell if they build up on the teeth. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Breathing through your mouth can also cause the saliva you produce to evaporate rapidly. That’s why many people who breath through their mouth when they sleep get a dry mouth and wake up with bad breath.
Postnasal Drip
If you have sinusitis, or inflammation of the sinuses, mucus can get caught in the back of your throat, which can cause postnasal drip. The mucus can collect bacteria, and to make matters worse, now you have postnasal drip bad breath. Often, drinking lots of water and taking a decongestant can help with sinusitis, but if you have severe symptoms or your symptoms have lasted longer than a few weeks, you should talk to your doctor.
Infections
If you’re having your wisdom teeth or other teeth removed, it’s possible that you may need to deal with bad breath, as well. When your teeth are extracted, bacteria can get inside your wounds and this is what causes halitosis. Your dentist may provide antibiotics to help, but if the infection persists and causes chronic bad breath for more than a few days, you may need to see your dentist to have the wound cleaned. Bacteria can also infect your gums when they’re not healthy or when they are compromised by other health issues or physical injury.
Medical Conditions
Certain conditions beyond your control can cause bad breath: sinus infections, tonsil stones, respiratory tract infections, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbances, or liver or kidney ailments are just some of the medical causes of bad breath. If you have chronic bad breath and your dentist rules out any oral health problems, see your doctor for an evaluation.

Bad Breath Treatment and Prevention During Pregnancy

Addressing halitosis during pregnancy involves a combination of diligent oral hygiene practices and certain lifestyle adjustments.

It begins with regular dental check-ups. Continue visiting your dentist throughout pregnancy for routine cleanings and examinations. Beyond that, inform them about your pregnancy and any emerging issues so they can provide appropriate advice and care. If you feel the need for more frequent visits than every six months, do not hesitate. Staying hydrated will help combat dry mouth. While increasing saliva production can be challenging, prioritizing hydration is key. Drinking plenty of water helps compensate for decreased saliva production. You can also chew sugar-free gum and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods.

Artificial saliva substitutes are also available. These come in various forms such as solutions, sprays, gels, and lozenges to help keep your mouth moist. A search for dry mouth products can help you get started.

Consume a balanced, healthy diet. Despite the tempting classic pregnancy cravings, it's advisable to limit sugary snacks and instead opt for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Beyond their other health benefits, crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots naturally help clean teeth.

Manage morning sickness. If you're experiencing frequent vomiting, rinse your mouth as soon as possible afterward. Water is effective, but a mixture of baking soda and water can help neutralize stomach acids. As much as you might want to brush immediately, it's better to wait. Brushing right after vomiting can lead to enamel erosion, so, difficult as it may be, postpone brushing for at least 30 minutes.

Avoid tobacco and limit caffeine. No surprises here. Both smoking and excessive caffeine intake can contribute to dry mouth and bad breath. If you smoke, seek support to quit. This has significant health benefits beyond just helping with bad breath. Also, try to limit caffeine consumption; that nitro cold brew can definitely wait.

We've saved the most important for last: prioritize oral hygiene. Hopefully, you already have a healthy routine, so the key is to maintain it and not slack off despite everything else happening. Here are a few reminders:

Brush Regularly: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Don't forget to gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria.
Floss Daily: Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between teeth, areas your toothbrush might miss.
Use Mouthwash: An antimicrobial mouthwash can reduce bacteria. Ensure it's alcohol-free, as alcohol can contribute to dry mouth.

Issues Beyond Bad Breath

It’s widely known that pregnancy significantly increases hormone production. These elevated hormones can lead to periodontal disease or gum disease. As mentioned, the surge in hormones can cause gum inflammation. This can make it easier for food to become trapped in swollen gums, triggering a chain reaction that results in plaque buildup on your gumline, leading to gingivitis, and more seriously, gum disease.

Severe cases of gum disease can even lead to potential complications in your pregnancy. Research links periodontal disease to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including low birth weight and premature birth. In rare instances, it can even contribute to preeclampsia during pregnancy, which often results in pre-term births. Therefore, do not assume that bad breath alone is the problem. It can also be a symptom of something that requires immediate attention.

Consult the Professionals

Your dentist is an invaluable resource. If bad breath has become an issue, or persists despite your best efforts at home, consult your dentist or healthcare provider. They can help identify the root cause and recommend an effective solution. Furthermore, persistent halitosis can sometimes indicate underlying health issues that may require attention, so it's always better to involve them sooner rather than later.

Good Oral Hygiene for Better Breath Starts with Crest

No one desires bad breath. Consistent and proper dental hygiene can maintain fresh breath and a radiant smile. The health of your tongue, gums, and teeth directly impacts your breath.

Here are our Crest and Oral-B recommendations for oral hygiene to combat bad breath:

Start your routine with Crest Clean Breath Toothpaste. This stannous fluoride formula works around the clock, actively preventing cavities and fighting the bacteria that cause bad breath so you enjoy a long-lasting, fresh, and clean feeling.
Rinse with Crest Pro-Health Mouthwash: Swish with an antibacterial mouthwash like Crest Pro-Health Mouthwash to eradicate plaque bacteria, help deter new plaque formation, support gum health, and leave your mouth feeling thoroughly clean and refreshed.
Brush 2X/day with an Oral-B iO Electric Toothbrush: An electric toothbrush, such as an Oral-B iO, helps eliminate up to 100% more plaque than a conventional manual toothbrush. Its dentist-inspired round brush head effectively surrounds each tooth, adapting to the contours of teeth and gums to ensure a cleaner, healthier smile even in hard-to-reach areas.
Use Floss: Daily flossing assists in dislodging plaque and debris from between teeth. Incorporating flossing into your routine can help remove any lingering food particles and plaque buildup, offering an additional layer of protection.

Summary

Experiencing bad breath during pregnancy is a common, occasionally embarrassing, yet entirely manageable issue. Many physiological changes your body undergoes, such as hormonal shifts and morning sickness, directly impact aspects like bad breath and your overall oral health.

Once you understand the causes of bad breath, it becomes easier to implement strategies like effective oral hygiene practices, improved dietary choices, and lifestyle adjustments, ensuring you maintain fresh breath throughout your pregnancy. As always, regular dental visits and open, honest communication with your healthcare providers will be essential. This approach will help address any concerns and ensure both your oral health and comfort during an amazing yet challenging time.

FAQs

Why do I have bad breath during pregnancy?

It’s not you; it’s your hormones. Pregnancy brings significant hormonal shifts, particularly increased levels of progesterone and estrogen. These can have many effects, sometimes including bad breath.

How to stop bad breath during pregnancy.?

Several factors contribute to bad breath. Fortunately, multiple solutions exist, including staying hydrated, avoiding unhealthy cravings, and most importantly, scheduling regular visits to your dentist for comprehensive bad breath treatment.