Study, 2008
Does the menstrual cycle affect bad breath?
Yes. Women produce more gases that cause bad breath during the menstrual and premenstrual phases of their cycle compared to other phases and compared to men. The exact cause may involve changes in saliva.
What they did
Tested 14 women across their menstrual cycle and 17 men (all in good health) for gases that cause bad breath, salivary flow, cortisol, and bacteria in saliva.
What they found
Gases that cause bad breath were higher in women during the menstrual and premenstrual phases compared to both men and to women in the follicular phase of the cycle. Bacteria levels did not differ between groups. The amount of protein in saliva and the flow rate of saliva may play a role in this change.
What it means for you
The menstrual cycle affects bad breath production in women, possibly through changes in saliva composition or flow, but the study is small and only measures one type of bacteria.
14
Women studied
17
Men studied
About the study
- Original title
- Influence of gender and menstrual cycle on volatile sulphur compounds production
- Authors
- Calil CM, Lima PO, Bernardes CF et al.
- Journal
- Archives of oral biology
- Year
- 2008
- Study design
- Study
- Participants
- 17
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.archoralbio.2008.06.008