Is Gum Disease Causing Your Breath to Stink?

It’s estimated that 1 in 4 people suffer from bad breath at any given moment. Maybe you just ate something with a lot of garlic, or maybe a piece of food has been stuck between your teeth for a long time. While a variety of factors can cause your breath to smell unpleasant, it also could be caused by gum disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, half of the adult population in the United States has gum disease. This health problem causes tender gums and painful chewing; it’s even cited as the leading cause of tooth loss. But before it damages your teeth, gum disease hurts something else: your breath. Find out how an infection in your gums can change the smell of your breath, and what your best options are for treating bad breath in Parma Heights.

Linking Bad Breath and Gum Disease

Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque along your gumline, which can create an infection in your gum tissues. In the early stages, common symptoms include overly sensitive gum tissue and oral bleeding, especially when brushing and flossing. If the infection worsens, it can reach and attack your jawbone. This can damage the connective tissues that anchor your teeth in place, causing your teeth to become painful, loose, and eventually fall out.

This infection is the result of the harmful bacteria plaque contains. As they accumulate and infect your gums, the bacteria release gasses made of a volatile sulfur compound that lace your breath with a foul odor. Since gum disease doesn’t initially cause much change in the look or sensitivity of your teeth, it can be easy to overlook at first. Bad breath may be your first warning sign that gum disease has set in.

How to Treat Bad Breath

If gum disease is causing your breath to smell bad, keeping your mouth clean will help you treat both afflictions. You should see your dentist for professional gum disease treatment, which can use the latest technology to comfortably and efficiently eradicate the smelly, dangerous bacteria. In the meantime, you can treat bad breath at home by:

• Keeping bacteria away with great dental habits like brushing and flossing regularly.
• Avoiding excess sweets and empty calories that feed and strengthen the bacteria.
• Disinfecting your mouth by rinsing it with saltwater or antibacterial mouthwash.

Remember, an unpleasant oral odor may be your earliest warning sign of gum disease. With help from your dentist and good oral hygiene, you can treat it and restore your fresh breath in no time!

About the Practice

At Advanced Dental Center in Parma Heights, OH, we’re proud to feature the clinical talents of Dr. Glenn Shtarkman and Dr. Caroline Salib. They share a passion for helping their patients achieve happy, healthy smiles that look and feel great. If you’re concerned about your bad breath or the health of your gums, they offer advanced treatment options like laser gum disease therapy. If you’d like to learn more, they can be contacted at their website or at (440) 885-5354.