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Does it seem like you can’t eat without your breath immediately smelling terrible? Everyone deals with bad breath from time to time, but for some people, it’s a frequent (and occasionally embarrassing) reality. If you’re certain your oral hygiene habits are up to par, says the team from Tohill Dentistry in Somerset, KY, your hormones might be to blame.

Women who are pregnant, menstruating, or going through menopause often notice less-than-pleasant breath. This has been tied to the increased production of progesterone and estrogen women experience during these stages. This influx of hormones leads to an elevation in the saliva’s protein content. These higher protein levels cause bacteria to produce more odorous metabolites, making you more likely to reach for a breath mint.

If you are taking a form of hormonal birth control, you might also notice your breath smells sharper than usual. This is more common in women who take oral contraceptives, which can affect the way your body reacts to bacteria. This leads to an increased risk for gum disease and tooth decay, both of which can also cause bad breath.

oral hygieneWhile estrogen levels are lower during menopause, the dry mouth that often occurs can also cause bad breath. These arid conditions make your mouth a prime breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria. If you are experiencing these symptoms, talk to your doctor about hormone therapies that can alleviate some of these less-than-pleasant side effects.

The best way to combat hormone-related bad breath is to implement a rigorous oral hygiene routine and continue scheduling regular checkups with your dentist. Having your smile cleaned regularly will help keep gum disease, bad breath, and gingivitis at bay during times of elevated hormone levels.

For more questions about how your body composition affects oral hygiene, schedule a consultation with the dentists at Tohill Dentistry. Their team of dental experts offers preventative, reconstructive, and cosmetic services, all of which are performed using the most up-to-date dental technology and equipment. Learn more online or by calling (606) 679-4450.

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