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Halitosis and Your Gums


Bad breath, known formally as halitosis, is a problem. Nothing can ruin a social relationship faster than foul breath. It can be caused by a variety of different factors. Many of them can be easily masked, or even eliminated, with brushing, mouthwash or chewing gum. However, chronic bad breath that doesn’t go away no matter what you do can point to a serious problem. Martin Periodontics can help.

What Causes Bad Breath?


There are several factors that can lead to bad breath:
•  Eating certain foods, such as onions, garlic, or tuna.
•  Smoking.
•  Indigestion.
•  Tooth decay.
•  Certain metabolic issues, like diabetes.
•  Gum disease.

Bad Breath and Gum Disease


Gum disease, particularly more advanced stages, is often the undiagnosed issue behind chronic bad breath. No matter how much you brush your teeth, how much you floss, how much gum you chew, your breath still won’t improve. This is because the odor-causing bacteria (which also causes gum disease) have traveled below your inflamed gums, and is unreachable by the bristles of your toothbrush.

Gum disease begins as gingivitis. When plaque and bacteria build up on your teeth (often as a result of poor oral hygiene), they irritate your gum tissue. Your body sends an inflammatory response, causing your gums to swell. As they do, they pull away from your teeth, creating pockets. Oral bacteria fall below the line and get trapped, as do food particles. Bacteria continue to multiply below your gums, and the food particles begin to decompose. As a result, you have chronic bad breath that just won’t go away. What’s more is that many of the bacteria that are attacking your gums can be transferred to your tongue, where they can get trapped under your taste buds, contributing to the problem.

Other Signs of Gum Disease


Bad breath is just one sign of gum disease. Other signs include:
•  Red, swollen gums.
•  Bleeding when you brush or floss.
•  Gum recession.
•  Spaces between your teeth.
•  Loose teeth.
•  Tooth loss.

Restoring Your Breath, and the Health of Your Mouth


When you notice bad breath, your first instinct is to head out and get every odor-fighting solution you can find – gum, toothpaste, mouthwashes. However, if the source of your bad breath is coming from your gums, none of these solutions are going to do you any good. For bad breath caused by bacteria in the gums, professional help is required.

The exact treatment you receive for your gum disease depends heavily on what stage it’s in. For some, a scaling and root planing can be enough to remove the plaque and bacteria from under your gums, and allow your gums to heal. However, more advanced stages require more intensive treatments. These treatments may include gum flap surgery or other surgical procedures that can both clear away plaque and bacteria and give your gums the assistance they need to heal. Once healed, maintaining a regular brushing and flossing routine is essential to prevent the issue from reoccurring.

If your mouth is plagued by chronic bad breath, it could point to a much larger issue than something you ate for lunch. Contact Martin Periodontics at (513) 445-4282 to schedule your consultation today!
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Mason, OH 45040
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Middletown, OH 45042
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Fairfield, OH 45014
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OXFORD
5279 Morning Sun Rd
Oxford, OH 45056
ICO phone Martin 071318 513-523-5064
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Halitosis and Your Gums | Martin Periodontics | Periodontist
Bad breath, known formally as halitosis, can impact your oral health. Give Martin Periodontics a call today to schedule a consultation, we are here to help!
Martin Periodontics, 6410 Thornberry Court, Suite C, Mason, OH 45040-7909 / (513) 445-4282 / martinperio.com / 12/21/2024 / Related Phrases: dental implants Mason OH North Cincinnati OH /