Gum Disease and Bad Breath: Is There a Link between the Two?
How does Periodontal Disease (gum disease) affect bad breath (halitosis)? Before you answer that question, you should identify what causes bad breath (halitosis).
What causes bad breath?
More than 400 different kinds of bacteria lurk in your mouth at any given time. Most of these are harmless and have no noticeable taste or odor. In fact, many of them are helpful in the process of breaking down food in the mouth. However, dental experts have identified at least 14 of these oral bacteria that can be the triggering factor for halitosis. While breaking down food particles, sulfur compounds are released by these bacteria, which then cause the offensive odor.
There is a concentration of bacteria especially on the tongue towards the back and this is one of the causes of bad breath. The anaerobic bacteria feed upon food debris left in the mouth and then release Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSC) which smell of hydrogen sulfide. These have a bad smell as the odor is like that of rotten eggs.
Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease):
The definition of Periodontal means around the tooth, therefore this disease affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Gum disease (periodontal) includes gingivitis and periodontitis and is a chronic bacterial infection. Gum disease (periodontal) may affect many teeth or just one tooth. The bacterium in plaque, which is the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth, causes the gums to become inflamed. This is the beginning of gum disease (periodontal). Another contributing source to gum disease (periodontal) would be those who use tobacco products. These individuals are the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of gum disease (periodontal).
A constant sore mouth that includes swollen, red, and/or bleeding gums more than ever when you brush, characterizes gingivitis. There is often times tooth sensitivity and pain, as well as bleeding when you brush. Your gums should look coral pink as opposed to red and if you experience any discomfort in your mouth the best course of action would be to contact your dentist or health care provider.
Bad breath may well be caused by gum disease especially where it is already causing bleeding gums. Because gum disease is also a sign of bacterial infection, the same bacteria can cause bad breath thanks to the volatile sulfur compounds (vsc) that they release.
The bottom line to how periodontal disease (gum disease) affects bad breath (halitosis) is very close to how both can occur through the neglect of proper oral hygiene. If you were to take excellent care of your mouth, which includes the teeth, gums and tongue through a regimen of daily, if not more, brushing, flossing, and rinsing you would significantly decrease the number of anaerobic bacteria as well as other bacteria and increase the freshness of your breath.
Proper cleaning of the mouth is important, particularly after eating foods that are high in protein content. This is because even after you finish a meal, microscopic particles of food still remain in the mouth. Much of this food debris ends up trapped between the teeth and also in the coating found on the posterior aspect of the tongue. Since these are exactly the same locations in which the anaerobic bacteria that cause bad breath live, by not cleaning thoroughly, a prolonged food supply is provided for these bacteria.
Apart from yourself following a disciplined approach to mouth cleaning and regular intervals and eating a proper diet, you should also get your teeth professionally cleaned. Also avoid foods which cause an odor in the mouth.
If you use a “water pik” in your oral hygiene routine, it will help a great deal because it plays a large part in removing the food particles from between the teeth. You can purchase a portable “water pik” that will work on batteries and take it with you to use wherever you go.
While looking for mouthwashes, which can be a daunting task, try to look for those that contain Cetylpyridinium chloride and zinc chloride. A mouthwash that does not contain these ingredients will mask the odor for a limited amount of time, but give no long lasting results to eliminating the odor of bad breath. Also Hydrogen Peroxide is a great rinse because it release oxygen and the bacteria in the mouth thrive in an environment without oxygen.
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Tagged with: Bad Breath • Bad Breath Causes • Halitosis • how to cure bad breath
Filed under: Bad Breath Causes
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