In the modern world of dentistry, empowering patients with relevant knowledge about oral health is crucial. Our focus today lies on halitosis and gum disease, two common conditions that can adversely affect your overall well-being if left untreated.
Halitosis refers to an unpleasant or offensive odor emanating from the mouth often caused by poor hygiene or underlying dental issues. Bad breath will affect most of us, especially after eating a strongly flavored meal. But if the odor persists despite at-home oral hygiene efforts, the symptom may point to a larger oral health concern.
On the other hand, gum disease refers to an infection in the gum tissue. It involves inflammation of your gums, meaning you can deal with swelling, bleeding, and soreness in the tissue. Not only can this prove uncomfortable, but it will advance without treatment from a dentist. This may lead to gum recession and eventually tooth loss.
The complexities associated with these conditions extend further than discomfort or embarrassment: they point toward deeper concerns relating to oral hygiene and dental health. Explore the link between these two conditions as well as how to avoid and treat these issues when you read on.
The Connection Between Halitosis and Gum Disease
Oral bacteria build-up due to inadequate oral hygiene often results in plaque formation around teeth edges. Excess bacteria will start to smell bad after a while, which can cause bad breath (halitosis).
Normally, you can brush and floss your teeth to get rid of plaque and leave your breath smelling fresh once again. But if bad breath lingers, it may mean that oral bacteria have caused a different kind of oral health problem.
If oral bacteria reach the gum tissue, you can contract gum disease. This infection can cause bacteria to accrue deep in the gum pockets, where it will begin to give off an unpleasant odor. Therefore, bad breath can be associated with bacterial spread in multiple ways.
While at-home oral hygiene can fix mild, acute cases of halitosis, you will need a dentist to eradicate gum disease. The infection will not go away on its own or with your usual oral hygiene routine.
So if you have bad breath, do not ignore it. It may mean you face a risk of developing gum disease or other dental concerns.
Treating Chronic Bad Breath and Gum Disease
As mentioned, brushing your teeth, rinsing with mouthwash, and flossing are all ways you can clear away plaque and other residues from your teeth on your own. But to maximize oral hygiene, you will need to attend routine teeth cleanings at your dentist’s office too. This way, your dentist can thoroughly clean plaque and tartar build-up from hard-to-reach spots of your smile.
This preventive care will also reduce your risk of gum disease, another reason many people experience chronic bad breath. Oral hygiene stops the spread of bacteria to prevent oral infections.
If you contract gum disease, a dentist will need to perform periodontal therapy to clear away the infection. It is easier to treat when diagnosed early, so do not delay this dental attention. Contact your dentist for more information about how to fight bad breath and gum disease.