You know that your oral hygiene habits and diet can affect your risk of gum disease, but you might not be aware of the link between your hormones and gingivitis. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself from gum disease.
Bad breath can stem from many different causes. It could be that bowl of garlic-laden pasta you devoured last night, a side effect of certain medications, or a lapse in your oral hygiene. In some cases your bad breath is related to a medical condition such as periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease, also called periodontitis, is a bacterial infection of your gums. Untreated periodontitis can cause a whole slew of complications, from pain and inflammation to loss of jawbone tissue and teeth to issues impacting your overall health. Excellent oral hygiene practices, including regular dental check-ups and cleanings, are instrumental in preventing periodontal disease.
Periodontitis starts with gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums around the teeth. When bacteria attach themselves to the teeth, your immune system detects these invaders and releases substances to combat the offenders, and that’s why your gums become inflamed.
The bacteria forms a substance over the surface of your teeth called plaque. If this bacterial sludge isn’t removed through good oral hygiene of flossing and brushing, it will harden and become worse. What’s more, as your gums inflame, they recede, which means they pull away from your teeth. This loss of gum tissue allows the bacteria to seep below the gum line. There it attacks the bone and connective tissues, causes your teeth to loosen, and may threaten your overall health by getting into your bloodstream.
The symptoms of periodontal disease are not always easy to spot before serious damage occurs. That’s why persistent and unexplained bad breath is cause for concern. In addition to malodorous breath, you may have a constant bad taste in your mouth, find your favorite foods are no longer appetizing, and feel the need to drink more water.
Other symptoms of periodontal disease include:
If you have the kind of breath that causes people to back away, and you aren’t sure of the cause, you shouldn’t ignore it. In dealing with bad breath caused by periodontal disease you can call on the arsenal of breath mints, chewing gum, mouth wash, and oral sprays to mask this symptom, however that won’t address the bigger issue of your periodontal disease.
Left untreated, periodontal disease results in complications such as:
You’ll also have an increase in your risk for respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and even diabetes, as your overall health is compromised.
For pregnant women, periodontal disease can be especially dangerous to both mother and unborn baby. Women who are pregnant when they develop periodontal disease are at an increased risk for preterm labor, pre-eclampsia, and low birthweight babies.
If you find your breath is causing people to back away, you should be concerned. The best way to diagnose and treat periodontal disease and prevent damage to your oral or overall health is by coming in to see Dr. Young.
Our practice, Scott Young, DDS, is located in The Woodlands, Texas, and we specialize in state-of-the-art periodontal treatment, as well as cosmetic and general dentistry. Call our office today or make an appointment using the online booking tool. Let's find out what’s causing your bad breath.
You Might Also Enjoy...
You know that your oral hygiene habits and diet can affect your risk of gum disease, but you might not be aware of the link between your hormones and gingivitis. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself from gum disease.
With the right care, a dental crown can last for years. Here’s what you need to know about how long your new dental crown will last and what you can do to maintain its condition. Read on to learn more.
Periodontists perform surgical and nonsurgical procedures to treat various stages of gum disease. Here’s what you need to know about periodontal treatment and what you can do to lower your risk of gum disease.
Nobody wants a discolored smile, but did you know that some tooth stains are easier to fix than others? Here’s what you need to know about the two types of tooth stains and which teeth whitening treatment will work best for you.
Unlike the more advanced stages of gum disease, gingivitis is reversible when treated early. Read on to learn more about the signs and symptoms of gingivitis and what you can do to protect yourself.
Dental implants are more than a cosmetic solution to tooth loss. They also improve and protect your oral and overall health. Here’s what you need to know about implants and whether they’re right for you.