Is it possible that Periodontal Disease (gum disease) can cause halitosis? Firstly, you should identify the causes of bad breath.Bad Breath Cause #1- ...
Is it possible that Periodontal Disease (gum disease) can cause halitosis? Firstly,
you should identify the causes of bad breath.
Bad Breath Cause #1- Volatile Sulfur Compounds
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.
Bad Breath Cause #2- 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 characterized by a constant sore mouth with swollen, red, and/or bleeding gums, especially when you brush. Sometimes there may be sensitive teeth and pain and even bleeding when you brush. If your gums are more red than pink, then chances are they are inflamed, and if you have any discomfort, the best thing is to consult your medical practitioner or dentist.
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.
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.
Eliminate Bad Breath Tip #1- Oral Hygiene
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.
Eliminate Bad Breath Tip #2- Dental Check Up
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.
Eliminate Bad Breath Tip #3- Oral Products
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.
You may have tried a number of mouthwashes, but try and buy one which contains cetylpyridinium chloride and zinc chloride. Both these help in getting rid of bad breath. Hydrogen peroxide is another good remedy because it releases oxygen and does not allow the anaerobic bacterial to multiply, thus helping in getting rid of bad breath.
