close-up of woman pouring mouthwash from bottle into cap

Hormones and Bad Breath: What's the Connection?

Published date field Last Updated:

Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

When you first awake or after garlicky meals, your breath might not be as fresh as you'd like. But if your breath is consistently foul-smelling, it might be your hormones causing the issue.

Women are especially prone to a hormones-bad breath connection. Learn how pregnancy, menopause, and some contraceptives might play a role in hormone-related bad breath – and how you can deal with it.

Life Stages, Hormones, and Bad Breath

During certain stages in your life, you might be subject to changes or an imbalance in your hormones. And this can mess with the way your body reacts to bacteria or make you more prone to oral bacteria-breeding conditions.

Hormonal Birth Control

If you take a form of hormonal birth control, you're elevating the levels of certain hormones – estrogen and progestin – in your body to prevent pregnancy. The American Academy of Periodontology notes that some medications – specifically oral contraceptives – can affect your oral health by changing your body's reaction to bacteria. And this reaction increases your risk for gum disease and tooth decay.

Gum disease is a leading cause of – you guessed it – bad breath, thanks to the bacteria and decay it causes. So, if you've recently started or changed your birth control, it may be the culprit behind your bad breath.

Pregnancy

Throughout pregnancy, you'll experience a distinct shift in your hormone balance. The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that during pregnancy, hormones might alter your body and how it reacts to bacteria. This can result in increased instances of gum disease.

Menopause

If you're in the midst of menopause, you'll experience a lack of estrogen. This estrogen deprivation can result in unpleasant side effects such as hot flashes and mood swings. Another side effect that affects your oral health: dry mouth. This condition leaves your mouth ripe for bacteria to develop and grow, causing bad breath.

What to Do

Noticing a change in your hormones that seems to be causing bad breath? You might need to schedule visits to both your primary care physician and your dental office. It would also be a good time to step up your oral health care routine.

If Taking Hormonal Contraceptives: Check in with your prescribing doctor to inform them of your side effects. At this stage of life – or if you're pregnant or menopausal – ensure you take these steps to help kill the bacteria feeding off hormonal changes, which result in tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath:

  • Clean between your teeth daily with dental floss or another type of interdental cleaner.
  • Brush twice-daily with plaque-removing fluoride toothpaste.
  • Clean your tongue by gently scraping or brushing off bacteria.
  • Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash.

If Pregnant: Continue to schedule dental checkups; it's essential to get regular dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar. That will help you avoid the dangers of gum disease, including bad breath, gum disease, and even pre-term labor.

Make sure to discuss any concerns you might have with your OB/GYN. A study published in the journal JDR (Journal of Dental Research) Clinical and Translational Research states there's evidence of a connection between periodontal disease and some birth or pregnancy complications.

If Menopausal: Talk to your doctor about hormone therapies to help manage any unpleasant side effects of menopause. Your doctor might prescribe synthetic versions of hormones to help your body get back into balance.

The hormones-bad breath connection is another demonstration of how oral health affects your entire body – and vice versa. No matter your life stage, keep your medical and oral health care professionals informed of any hormone shifts. And set up a consistent oral hygiene routine. That way, you can make sure that you'll continue to have a healthy mouth and a great smile no matter what hormonal changes you undergo.

$altImage

Want more tips and offers sent directly to your inbox?

Sign up now

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Mobile Top Image
Was this article helpful?

Thank you for submitting your feedback!

If you’d like a response, Contact Us.

Mobile Bottom Image