Chronic Bad Breath? It Could Be a Sign of Periodontal Disease

Do you have bad breath that makes you shy away from social situations or cover your mouth when you talk? 

Your bad breath may be the result of gum disease. The dental professionals at Hometown Family Dental Centers can treat your periodontal disease and return your mouth to sweet-smelling health. Here’s how.

Why your mouth smells

Your mouth is the main entryway into your body and the place where digestion begins. When you chew, saliva begins breaking down food. The digestion process continues in your stomach and intestines.

Decaying food that remains stuck between teeth increases the amount of bacteria in your mouth. Normally, brushing and flossing minimize that bacteria. But it’s hard, virtually impossible, to remove all the bacteria.

Even with the best dental routine, plaque, a sticky paste, and tartar, the hardened version, can build up between teeth and along the gum line. When a large amount of tartar lines and lingers on gums, you can develop gum disease. Gingivitis is a mild form that can progress into periodontitis, the more advanced version.

When gum disease develops, you’ll need to see a dentist for a special cleaning to remove the buildup that causes inflammation and, perhaps, infection.

When bad breath persists

Persistent bad breath is a major sign of gum disease. Your mouth may taste sour directly after brushing. Mints, gum, and other breath fresheners may mask the smell, but they do nothing to correct the underlying condition.

Other signs of gum disease include:

• Puffy, red gums 
• Gums that bleed during brushing and flossing
• Tender gums
• Chewing pain or discomfort
• Teeth that are sensitive to hot or cold 
• Receding gums that make teeth look longer
• Loose teeth

If you have several of these symptoms, periodontal disease is likely the culprit. 

Infection can result

Without treatment, plaque and tartar cause bacteria to form in the pockets between your teeth and along your gums. Pockets are the perfect places for bacteria to grow. Further, tartar in pockets is mostly immune to brushing and flossing. 

When bacteria grows, it feeds off mouth tissue, including teeth and gums. If not treated, infection can lead to bone loss in your jaw and threaten the roots of your teeth, which could cause tooth loss. Advanced cases of periodontal disease can even spread infection throughout your body.

Only dental intervention and a thorough cleaning can stop advancing gum disease and restore proper gum attachment to your teeth. Happily, treating gum disease controls your bad breath.

If you’re suffering from bad breath and suspect gum disease is the cause, call Hometown Family Dental Centers for an appointment with our expert dentists. Call use our online appointment tool.