Bad Breath During Pregnancy
Bad breath is a dilemma that is even more common in pregnant women . Bad breath during pregnancy mainly caused by weaker dental condition or lack of calcium. Not all pregnant women have bad beath problem, but the percentage is definitely higher.
1. Causes of Bad breath during pregnancy
- Poor Dental health
- Morning sickness
- Lack of calcium
- Dehydration
Poor dental health is the most common bad breath causes, which not only for pregant women but for every individuals. Bad breath may be associated with foods like garlic, onion and baked beans, among many others.
Morning sickness is the leading factor for causing bad breath in pregnant women. It is caused due to rising levels of chemical reactions in the brain that causes nausea sensation. This nausea feeling results in vomiting which again has its own odor thats tends to bad breath during pregnancy.
Though pregnancy hormones are not typically associated with bad breath, dental changes could be at the root of the problem. The pregnant body needs a lot of calcium and if prenatal vitamins are not taken on a daily basis, or foods rich in calcium are not part of the diet, the body will pull calcium from bones and teeth which can cause tooth decay and bad breath.
When a pregnant woman’s diet lacks the needed calcium, the mineral is being taken from the teeth to be able to supply for the growing baby in the womb. And in turn, the mother’s teeth and gums began to weaken. Normally, gum disease and tooth decay always work together, so when the process of deterioration of teeth and gums sets off within the mouth, it can be a factor to sudden bad breath. Lack of calcium is one of the common reasons why there is a bad breath during pregnancy.
Another usual cause why there is bad breath during pregnancy, that makes it intricate to naturally avoid halitosis is dehydration. To help nourish the growing baby inside the womb, it entails an extra hydration, this makes the female body exerts more effort to supply the baby’s needs. Then again, since contraction is also usual in pregnancy, every so often it is very difficult for the mother to drink the added necessary water intake in order to make up for the additional necessities. When the body turns out to be dehydrated and the mouth runs dry, then bad breath troubles are very likely to ensue.
2. Treatment of Bad breath during pregnancy
- Since pregnant women should not use most mouthwashes because of the chemical content, they need to find other ways to treat halitosis. Herbal alternatives may be recommended for preventing the anaerobic bacteria that causes bad breath during pregnancy. Some herbal cures may include lemon oil, peppermint oil , or lime oil for starters. Also, expecting mothers can try gargling water with salt and drinking fresh lemon juice to prevent bad breath.
- Increase the calcium intake because calcium deficiency often happens in pregnant women. Calcium supplements may be recommended for both during and after pregnancy because it makes the teeth stronger and prevents other oral problems like gum disease and bad breath.
Pregnant women should brush their teeth at least two to three times a day. Before brushing, use a pre-rinse to loosen plaque on the teeth. After brushing, rinse with an alcohol free mouthwash. Chewing on ginger or mint leaves can also help to fight off bad breath.
Ideally you should have dental checkups every six months before you become pregnant. In case you have not had prior dental checkups and are pregnant, take a complete oral exam during the early stages. Pregnant women should not to skip any dental treatments, as it could risk the mother’s and baby’s health. Since women should not take in any chemicals that could endanger a baby’s health, it is especially hard to treat conditions like gingivitis during pregnancy .
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Tags: Bad Breath, pregnancy