Bad
Breath Pregnancy
by R. Drysdale
When we're reading about causes of bad breath pregnancy is not often
listed, however many pregnant women do complain about having halitosis
or about experiencing a persistent unpleasant or metallic taste
in the mouth. Bad breath during pregnancy may result from hormonal
changes or deteriorating dental health.
Sudden bad breath is always a sign that something
has changed and it should prompt a self-assessment of recent changes
in life style, diet or health. It may well be a sign that a visit
to the dentist or doctor is in order. If you are pregnant and you
suddenly develop bad breath pregnancy may be the indirect cause;
however, it could also be a sign of health problems or the onset
of gum disease. If careful and persistent oral care practices don't
clear up the problem, see you doctor rather than assuming that it
will go away on its own once the pregnancy is over.
It's well known that pregnant women have increased
calcium needs and are at greater risk of tooth decay if these calcium
needs are not met. When the diet is deficient in calcium, the mineral
is taken from the teeth to provide for the developing baby. Tooth
decay and gum disease often go hand in hand - when this process
starts in the mouth, it can contribute to sudden bad breath. Pregnant
women should always be under a doctor's care and have regular dental
checkups to catch problems early. Bad breath pregnancy problems
are problematic to treat because of the difficulty with taking medications
or undergoing medical procedures during this delicate time.
An unpleasant taste in the mouth may not mean that
there is also bad breath. The taste can often be dealt with over
the short term with lozenges or breath mints (choose sugar free
if possible to reduce the chances of tooth decay). When there is
true bad breath pregnancy does limit the measures you can safely
take, though mouthwashes, which are not swallowed, are generally
safe to use. Always read the label instructions carefully, and consult
your doctor if you are in doubt or if you experience unexplained
sudden bad breath.
About the Author
R. Drysdale is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience
as a health care professional. She is a contributing editor to Bad
Breath Remedies, a blog
dedicated to the treatment of bad breath.
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