How Gum Disease Can Cause Bad Breath
If you suffer from bad breath, you’re not alone. This embarrassing and uncomfortable condition can have many different causes. Short-term bad breath could be due to a recent meal with garlic or another potent ingredient. Other causes of bad breath can include prescription medication side effects or a lapse in oral hygiene habits. If your bad breath is chronic, despite frequent brushing and flossing, it may be the result of a medical condition called periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection in the gums. If left untreated, it can cause many complications and unpleasant side effects, ranging from pain and inflammation to bad breath to loss of jawbone tissue and loss of teeth. If you are suffering from periodontal disease or bad breath with no apparent cause, schedule an appointment with your dentist for Columbus gum treatment as soon as possible.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease begins with gingivitis, which is an inflammatory condition of the gums. When harmful bacteria in your mouth attach to your teeth, your immune system responds to the invading bacteria, resulting in inflammation. If left untreated or treated insufficiently, the bacteria will begin to form a thick substance over your teeth called plaque.
If plaque cannot be quickly removed with good flossing and brushing habits, it will become harder over time and will need to be removed by your Columbus dentist. Making the condition worse, inflamed gums will recede away from the teeth. This loss of gum tissue encourages the bacteria to move below the gum line, where it begins to settle into connective tissue, tooth roots, and jaw bone, threatening your overall health and promoting loose teeth. When bacteria from periodontal disease seep into your bloodstream through the capillaries in your gums, it can cause systemic infections and serious health conditions in other areas of your body.
What Are The Symptoms Of Gum Disease?
It can be hard to spot periodontal disease before it causes serious harm to your mouth and health, which means that persistent bad breath without another explanation is cause for concern and investigation by your Columbus dentist. Symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Bleeding during flossing or brushing
- Redness and tenderness in your gums
- Sensitivity to temperatures or foods when you chew
- Shifting your teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Constant bad taste in the mouth
- Loss of interest in favorite foods
- Urge to drink more water
- Changes in the appearance of your teeth
- Jaw pain
- Loose teeth
If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist for Columbus gum treatment right away to protect your health.
How Can Periodontal Disease Be Treated?
If you’re suffering from bad breath that is inhibiting your professional and social life, and you can’t pinpoint a cause, don’t ignore it. Using breath mints, mouthwash, chewing gum, and oral sprays can help mask the symptoms, but won’t fix the bigger problem of underlying bacterial infection or periodontal disease.
Instead, schedule an appointment with your Columbus dentist for a full examination. Diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease is crucial because untreated gum disease can result in lost teeth, systemic infections, abscesses, inability to eat normally due to pain, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes. Pregnant women who are facing periodontal disease can develop additional complications, including preterm labor, preeclampsia, low birth weight, and other serious consequences.
Your dentist may utilize a variety of treatment methods for periodontal disease. The first step is professional cleaning. Your dentist may recommend antiseptic mouthwash to further combat the growth of more bacteria in your mouth and will recommend that you brush and floss your teeth at least twice daily. More severe cases of periodontal disease may require antibiotic treatment, deep cleaning around the gum sockets, or surgery if the infection is very severe. If periodontal disease has caused you to lose teeth or jawbone, implants, and other treatments may be recommended to help you regain a healthy smile. Once the bacteria infection has cleared, you will find yourself enjoying healthy breath once again!
Schedule Your Appointment With Our Leading Periodontal Specialists
If you’re suffering from embarrassing bad breath that won’t go away, protect your health and find the cause by scheduling your appointment at US Dental. Our top-rated dentists are recognized across Columbus for their outstanding care and successful treatment of periodontal disease, gingivitis, and other dental conditions. We will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan so you can enjoy fresh breath and a healthy smile! Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.
US Dental and Medical Care
949 E Livingston Ave,
Columbus, OH 43205
Phone: (614) 252-3181
Website: https://usdentalmedical.com
