Also called periodontal disease, gum disease is a degenerative condition primarily caused by bacteria found in plaque. The bacteria inflame and infect the gum tissues, and when left untreated, it can eventually cause the gums to pull away from the teeth. Untreated, periodontal disease can result in bone loss, tooth loss, and gum tissue recession.
If your gums are swollen, red, or tender, or if your gums bleed easily, you may have periodontal disease. Other common gum disease symptoms include loose teeth, painful chewing, persistent bad breath, and receding gums that make your teeth appear longer than usual. Following an exam at our office, our dentist and team will be able to determine whether you suffer from periodontal disease.
Having unpleasant breath after consuming certain foods or when you wake up in the morning is not necessarily a cause for concern, especially if it goes away after brushing your teeth or using chewing gum or mints. But if the bad breath is persistent, you may be suffering from a bad breath condition called halitosis that needs to be investigated.
Halitosis can be an embarrassing problem, especially if you have to deal with people daily. Although mints can mask the foul odour for a short time, you must get a long-lasting solution to help save your relationships. Our dentists will help you find the root cause of your bad breath problem and recommend an adequate remedy.
Causes of Halitosis
Most bad breath cases are due to bacteria buildup in the mouth, especially the back of your tongue, where they feed on dead skin cells, food particles, and post-nasal drip, which collectively form foul-smelling sulphur compounds.
Contact our office today to book your appointment for personalized halitosis treatment.