Pregnant women commonly complain of having 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. If calcium levels are good and no tooth decay is found, bad breath may be associated with foods like garlic, onion and baked beans, among many others.

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.