Gum Disease and Bad Breath

While there are many causes of bad breath, including smoking, certain foods such as onion or garlic, sinus conditions, and dry mouth, by far the most serious risk factor for halitosis is periodontal disease. Gum disease is the second leading cause of bad breath, and usually affects people after the age of 35, although younger people can also suffer from periodontal infections.

The gums are an important line of defense for the teeth. When gums are diseased, they tend to draw away from the teeth, creating deep pockets that can house harmful bacteria. These pockets are often located behind and between teeth, so they are very difficult to reach with a toothbrush or floss. As the bacteria builds up, it not only damages teeth and gums, but gives off a very bad odor, creating a bad breath problem.

Periodontal disease affects the rest of the mouth, as well. People with periodontitis tend to have much thicker “coating” on the tongue than people without periodontal disease. This contributes to bad breath by trapping bacteria and holding it against the moist, warm areas of the mouth, allowing it to grow and spread. People with periodontal disease also tend to have higher sulfur levels orally, which contributes to bad breath and a characteristic odor. Dentists often predict periodontal disease based on the odor of a person’s breath.

Treating periodontal disease effectively requires a dentist’s expertise. A dentist can quickly identify areas of periodontal disease and prescribe effective treatment to relieve the problem and restore fresh, clean breath.

Source: Cosmetic Dentist Los Angeles
[Back]