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

Chronic bad breath can make daily activities like talking with friends or going out on a date a source of worry and embarrassment. Also called halitosis, bad breath can develop from certain lifestyle and oral hygiene habits.

People suffering from halitosis often turn to mouthwash, chewing gum, or breath mints to mask the foul odor. But these minty products don’t treat the source, so the bad breath almost always returns. The only way to effectively treat chronic bad breath is to address the source of the problem.

At Dallas Dental Concierge in Dallas, Texas, Melisa Christian, DDS regularly diagnoses and treats periodontal disease, a leading cause of chronic bad breath. Periodontal therapy, including scaling and root planing, along with root debridement therapy, help mouths stay healthy and breath stay fresh.

Learn more about why periodontal disease causes bad breath below.

What causes bad breath

Bad breath comes from many sources. Bacteria naturally collect in your mouth; their metabolic activity, which contributes to cavities and gum decay, can cause a bad smell. Foods like onion and garlic can make breath unpleasant temporarily, while lifestyle choices, like smoking cigarettes or using chewing tobacco, often lead to chronic bad breath. In addition, some medications can cause dry mouth, which makes it more likely that you may suffer from bad breath.

The biggest cause of bad breath, though, is poor oral hygiene. Without properly cleaning your teeth, bacteria from food collect and form a filmy plaque. Plaque can irritate the gums, harden into tartar, and make breath smell bad.

In many cases, lifestyle changes can improve halitosis. Brushing your teeth and the surface of your tongue regularly will help keep plaque from building up. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can also keep breath fresher.

If lifestyle changes don’t make your bad breath disappear, visit the dentist. A common sign of periodontal disease is bad breath. Getting an oral exam is the first step to getting treatment that addresses both periodontal disease and your bad breath.

The dangers of periodontal disease

Periodontal disease almost always begins with gingivitis, or gum inflammation. Poor dental hygiene, such as not brushing your teeth and flossing regularly, allows plaque to build up on teeth. This buildup causes an inflammation of the gums known as gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can advance into periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is a severe infection of your gums. Your gums play an important role in your mouth, surrounding your teeth and holding them in place. With periodontal disease, your gums begin pulling away from your teeth. Plaque and bacteria begin collecting in the space left by receding gums, and teeth, tissue, and bone begin deteriorating. The decay can cause chronic bad breath, tender gums, painful chewing, and sensitive teeth.

Over time, gum tissue and bone suffer so much damage that your teeth get loose and may begin to fall out. In fact, the number one cause of adult tooth loss is periodontal disease.

Luckily, periodontal disease is often treatable. The earlier the condition is identified, the more likely it is that you’ll have successful treatment. Periodontal disease can be treated with improved oral hygiene habits, getting regular dental cleanings, and quitting smoking.

Once you begin treatment for periodontal disease, your mouth will become healthier and your symptoms will subside. And you just might notice that bad breath is finally going away.

Stop suffering from chronic bad breath. To find out of periodontal disease is the cause of your bad breath, make an appointment at our office today.