If you’re a woman, then you are well-aware of all the annoying things that can show up around your period — from feeling so emotional to being bloated.

Did you know that your period can also leave your breath smelling less than pleasing?

This article will tell you why your period can cause bad breath, and also some of the things that you may do to keep it at bay to prevent embarrassment and completely losing your self-confidence.

Hormonal imbalance — this is the reason why your breath tends to reek during your period.

Actually, it’s also the culprit behind all the other bothersome things you experience on a monthly basis. There is nothing you can do to restore normal hormonal balance while your period is ongoing.

Here are some of the reasons why hormonal imbalance can wreak havoc on your breath:

It leaves your mouth dry

During your period, your salivary glands tend to produce less saliva. Some of your saliva’s tasks include neutralizing acid in your mouth and also washing away food particles and odor-causing bacteria. As a result, reduced saliva production can leave your breath smelling terrible.

It makes your gums swollen

Hormonal imbalance during your period can also impact your gums — they can end up swollen and prone to bleeding. As a result, you may be compelled to brush and floss less often, and such can easily cause bad breath and other issues pertaining to your oral health.

It may cause canker sores to appear

There is no denying that canker sores can be really painful, and your period can put you at higher risk of developing them. Since you don’t want to experience more pain than you are already having, you may quit brushing and flossing, which can definitely make your breath reek.

Now that you know some of the most common reasons behind bad breath due to your period, let’s now take a look at some of the things that you may do to manage the said problem:

Drink plenty of fluids

Since your mouth can be dry all the time during your period, it’s important for you to keep it moistened by drinking enough fluids. Doing so not only helps wash away anything that’s not supposed to be in your mouth, but also keep your body well-hydrated.

Gargle with warm salt water

In a glass of lukewarm water, dissolve a teaspoon of salt. Use it to rinse your mouth with on a regular basis. Salt water has superb antimicrobial action that can help neutralize bacteria in your mouth that can give off foul odor and make your breath smell horrid.

Apply aloe vera gel

If your canker sores are keeping you from drinking, brushing and flossing regularly, apply a little aloe vera gel on them to make them go away faster. By the way, aloe vera gel may also be applied on swollen gums, which is something that’s very common during a woman’s period.

Steer clear of sugary foods and drinks

During your period, you might be tempted to load up on anything that contains lots of sugar to help you feel great. Actually, doing so can make you feel more terrible afterwards as it can further cause hormonal imbalance. Also, anything sugary can contribute to bad breath.

Keep on brushing and flossing

Last but not least, make sure that you still carry out your usual oral hygiene practices. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to keep your swollen gums from being irritated. Floss very gently to minimize gum bleeding.