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

Almost everyone wakes up with bad breath, and many people experience bad breath throughout the day due to potent foods and drinks, such as coffee. Those cases of bad breath usually resolve on their own or with a bit of help from some toothpaste and mouthwash.

Other people, though, experience chronic bad breath that perpetuates night and day, sometimes despite good oral hygiene. Genetics can play a factor in bad breath, but often bad breath is the result of an infection like periodontal disease.

Learn why bad breath occurs, how to improve it, and how Dr. Danielle Greene at Fabulous Smiles of Atlanta can help with periodontal disease.

Why do I have bad breath?
You may have bad breath for a number of reasons, ranging from something you ate to a bacterial infection. Some common causes of bad breath include:

  • Food buildup between meals
  • Plaque and tartar buildup
  • Dry mouth
  • Tobacco products
  • Sinus or respiratory infections (in addition to other symptoms, like congestion).

Beyond those causes, bad breath may be a sign of something more serious: periodontal disease or gum disease.

What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a type of oral disease that involves inflammation of your gums. Periodontal disease is separated into two classes: gingivitis, which is an early stage disease, and periodontitis, which is an advanced stage of gum disease.

With gingivitis or periodontitis, you may experience swollen, inflamed, and bright red gums that are tender to the touch. Your gums may bleed when your brush or floss your teeth. In more severe cases, your gums may bleed when you eat.

Eventually, periodontal disease advances to the point at which the bone and soft tissue supporting your teeth become damaged. Letting periodontal disease go untreated might leave you in need of tooth correction treatments like veneers, implants, or even dentures.

How to improve bad breath
If you have bad breath and are looking for ways to combat it, try these tips:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day, at a minimum, but preferably after each meal
  • Rinse with mouthwash in the morning and before bed
  • Floss every night so food doesn’t build up between your teeth
  • Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth from becoming dry
  • Visit us at least twice a year for deep cleanings

If you think you might have periodontal disease, contact us or schedule an appointment with Dr. Greene right away.

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