Bad breath affects almost everyone occasionally. This is because many things can cause your breath to smell less than fresh. Fortunately, most instances of bad breath resolve quickly with no treatment or something as simple as sucking on a mint. However, persistent bad breath may indicate a more severe condition like perio breath. Continue reading to learn more about the effect of oral health on your breath.
If you have any questions or concerns about persistent bad breath, schedule an appointment with Trident Dental for a comprehensive oral exam and TMJ evaluation.
Causes Of Bad Breath
According to studies, about one-half of adults have bad breath during their life. The causes of halitosis include:
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Foods and beverages. Garlic, onions, and some spices can affect your breath as these foods lodge around your teeth and break down. They also affect your breath after their digestion and entry into your bloodstream. The digestion byproducts enter your lungs and affect the smell of the air you exhale.
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Dry mouth. Bad breath occurs naturally in the morning due to decreased salivation during sleep. Chronic dry mouth due to certain medical conditions can also affect your breath.
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Medications. Some medications cause dry mouth, which leads to bad breath. Some may also release chemicals that affect your breath.
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Sinus and throat infections. Drainage from these conditions can cause bad breath until they resolve.
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Poor oral hygiene. Accumulation of dental plaque and food particles can cause bad breath and lead to gum inflammation or more serious periodontitis.
Symptoms Of Gum Disease
Gum disease affects almost one-half of Americans, and the number increases with age. Dental plaque that isn’t removed by daily brushing and flossing can cause inflammation of your gums. The early stage, known as gingivitis, is reversible. However, when this condition persists, it causes periodontitis and irreversibly affects your gums and the bone that supports your teeth. The symptoms of gum disease include:
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Red and swollen gums.
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Bleeding gums.
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Tender or painful gums.
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Tooth sensitivity.
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Tooth mobility.
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Pain when chewing.
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Gum recession.
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Persistent bad breath, known as perio breath.
Gum Disease And Perio Breath
Breath mints or mouthwashes are no match for the distinctly unpleasant odor of perio breath. The infection process of gum disease includes oral bacteria breaking down proteins in your mouth that yield foul-smelling sulfur compounds. These compounds are similar to the sulfur compounds formed from rotting eggs.
Perio breath, however, not only has something in common with rotting eggs. Some describe it as the “smell of death.” This is due to the infection around periodontally-diseased teeth killing the bone that supports your teeth and holds them in your jaws.
Treatment For Perio Breath
Eliminating and controlling perio breath requires a team effort that involves you and your dentist. Here are the steps to take to regain fresh breath:
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Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of clean water every day.
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Brush daily. Brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush will remove plaque and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
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Floss daily. Flossing daily using the correct technique is critical to preventing gum disease and perio breath.
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Avoid all tobacco products. Smoking is a significant contributor to gum disease and bad breath.
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Have regular dental checkups and professional teeth cleanings. If you have gum disease and perio breath, you may require more frequent cleanings. It is common to treat gum disease with cleanings every three months.
Schedule Appointment
Contact us at Trident Dental to learn how we can help you have fresh breath and a bright smile.