Gum Disease and Bad Breath: Is There a Link between the Two?

Is it possible that Periodontal Disease (gum disease) can cause halitosis? Firstly, you should identify the causes of bad breath.

Halitosis (Bad Breath):

There are more that 400 different kinds of bacteria present in the mouth out of which 14 cause bad breath by giving out sulfur smells. Bad breath is aggravated by volatile sulfur compounds, which are caused when proteins are broken down by bacteria. This bacterium is usually anaerobic, and it multiplies at the back of the tongue. This kind of bacteria also has positive effects, because they help in the digestion of proteins.

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):

Periodontal disease refers to diseases which are around the tooth, affecting the gums and bones supporting the teeth. The term, gum disease, encompasses gingivitis and periodontitis and causes bacterial infection. It can affect only one tooth or many. Sometimes, bacteria in plaque can cause gums to suffer from inflammation. This may be a harbinger of gum diseases. Another cause would be the usage of tobacco products. Tobacco users are at greater risk of developing gum disease.

Gingivitis is one of the more common types of gum disease. The most common tell-tale sign of this condition is bleeding in the gums, oftentimes while brushing your teeth. Even if there is no bleeding, you may observe that your gums are redder than usual and more sensitive to pain. These are also signs of gingivitis. Once you notice these abnormal changes in your gums, it is best to set an appointment with your dentist right away. If left untreated, gingivitis can cause a lot of discomfort especially while eating or brushing your teeth.

Now that we know how both gum diseases and bad breath begin, we can now discuss the link between the two. Basically, if you are suffering from gum disease and fail to control it during the early stages, it will progress to the bleeding gum stage, during which an excessive amount of volatile sulfur compounds are released in the mouth, causing the much dreaded bad breath.

Both problems have their genesis in the fact that there is neglect in proper oral hygiene. If you were to take good care of your mouth, brush, floss, and rinse all very well, clean your gums and teeth there is less likelihood of developing bad breath. Anaerobic bacteria thrive on food debris and if that is removed properly and often enough there are reduced chances of developing any kind of mouth or tooth infection as well as increasing the freshness of your breath.

When you eat high protein foods it is all the more important to clean your teeth and mouth well. After you have finished eating there are still microscopic food particles present in the mouth. These get stuck between the teeth and on your tongue and hence cause bad breath problems because these are the same places that the anaerobic bacteria live and multiply. Simply by cleaning your mouth very well after eating, you will hinder the growth of these bacteria.

Regular brushing is an oral hygiene practice that has been instilled in most of us even as children. But besides this age-old ritual, you can further boost the cleanliness of your mouth by regularly going to your dentist. Eating the right kinds of food and drinking plenty of fresh water can also help solve and prevent the problem of bad breath.

A water pik is a wonderful addition to the oral hygiene routine because it is used to knock the food particles out from between the teeth, which is beneficial in fighting bad breath (halitosis) and periodontal disease (gum disease). You can purchase a water pik that will take batteries so it is portable.

Mouthwashes are also an essential element in keeping your breath fresh. With hundreds of different mouthwash brands to choose from, selecting one that actually works can be quite tricky. The secret is to look for those types that contain cetylpyridinium chloride or zinc chloride which can ensure a long-lasting effect.