What causes bad breath in pregnant women?
Disease description:
I'm almost five months pregnant and have recently developed bad breath, which I never had before. May I ask, what are the causes of bad breath during pregnancy?
The main causes of bad breath in pregnant women include the following:
1. Hormonal changes: After pregnancy, increased levels of estrogen and progesterone may cause symptoms such as morning sickness and nausea. Residues from vomiting can ferment in the mouth, leading to bad breath.
2. Poor oral hygiene: If pregnant women neglect oral hygiene, food particles can remain in the mouth and foster bacterial growth, causing bad breath.
3. Dental problems: Oral conditions such as tooth decay, periodontitis, and irritation from dental plaque and tartar may also lead to bad breath.
4. Indigestion: Influenced by hormonal changes, pregnant women may experience indigestion, causing food to remain in the stomach and ferment, producing gases that rise to the mouth and cause bad breath.
5. Dry mouth: Some pregnant women experience reduced saliva production during pregnancy, leading to excessive bacterial growth in the mouth and resulting in bad breath.
Pregnant women are advised to maintain good oral hygiene habits, attend regular prenatal checkups, and seek timely medical attention when oral issues such as bad breath occur.