Bad Breath Pregnancy

Bad breath in pregnancy could be caused by heat in the liver and stomach, according to Chinese medicine. Since the liver is one of the important organs for the immune system, a "heated" liver lowers the immune system and leads to bacterial overgrowth, which causes bad breath. Pregnancy makes women more susceptible to inflamed gums and bad breath because their liver has to work harder to eliminate the extra hormones.

Bad breath in pregnancy may also be a sign of poor dental health. Women may experience increased bad breath or pregnancy gingivitis beginning in the second or third month of pregnancy. Bad breath or pregnancy gingivitis can increase in severity throughout the eighth month.

Bad breath in pregnancy could be a symptom of periodontal disease. Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small.

If you have bad breath in pregnancy, be sure to include a dental examination as part of your prenatal care. Don't ignore bad breath in pregnancy because healthier gums may lead to a healthier baby.