Periodontal Disease Could Be A Likely Bad Breath Culprit

Periodontal Disease Could Be A Likely Bad Breath Culprit

How does Periodontal Disease (gum disease) affect bad breath (halitosis)? Before you answer that question, you should identify what causes bad breath (halitosis).

Bad Breath (Halitosis):

All people have more than 400 different types of bacteria in the mouth, of which approximately fourteen of them cause bad breath by releasing sulfur odors. Halitosis (bad breath) is stimulated by volatile sulfur compounds, which are released by the break down of proteins by bacteria. Most of the odor contributing to bad breath is brought about by anaerobic bacteria, which grow on the back of the tongue. The anaerobic bacteria have beneficial effects also as they aid in digestion by breaking down proteins.

Also, the bacteria found in the average mouth accumulate mostly on the person's tongue towards the back and is one of many causes of bad breath (halitosis). The anaerobic bacteria feed upon food debris and then produce Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSC). Volatile Sulfur Compounds have the smell of hydrogen sulfide, and smells very much like rotten eggs.

Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease):

The definition of Periodontal means "around the tooth"�, therefore this disease affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Gum disease (periodontal) includes gingivitis and periodontitis and is a chronic bacterial infection. Gum disease (periodontal) may affect many teeth or just one tooth. The bacterium in plaque, which is the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth, causes the gums to become inflamed. This is the beginning of gum disease (periodontal). Another contributing source to gum disease (periodontal) would be those who use tobacco products. These individuals are the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of gum disease (periodontal).

A constant sore mouth that includes swollen, red, and/or bleeding gums more than ever when you brush, characterizes gingivitis. There is often times tooth sensitivity and pain, as well as bleeding when you brush. Your gums should look coral pink as opposed to red and if you experience any discomfort in your mouth the best course of action would be to contact your dentist or health care provider.

With the definition of both bad breath (halitosis) and periodontal disease (gum disease) here is a look at how they affect each other. Those who have periodontal disease (gum disease) especially if it has advanced to the point of bleeding gums, have an increased of volatile sulfur compounds (vsc) than those who do not.

The bottom line to how periodontal disease (gum disease) affects bad breath (halitosis) is very close to how both can occur through the neglect of proper oral hygiene. If you were to take excellent care of your mouth, which includes the teeth, gums and tongue through a regimen of daily, if not more, brushing, flossing, and rinsing you would significantly decrease the number of anaerobic bacteria as well as other bacteria and increase the freshness of your breath.

Proper cleaning of the mouth is important, particularly after eating foods that are high in protein content. This is because even after you finish a meal, microscopic particles of food still remain in the mouth. Much of this food debris ends up trapped between the teeth and also in the coating found on the posterior aspect of the tongue. Since these are exactly the same locations in which the anaerobic bacteria that cause bad breath live, by not cleaning thoroughly, a prolonged food supply is provided for these bacteria.

If you then add in regular cleanings from your dental hygienist and a proper diet that does not contain foods high in protein, and those that exacerbate the malodor, you are that much closer to a clean, fresh, beautiful mouth.

A "water pik"� is a wonderful addition to the oral hygiene routine because it is used to knock the food particles out from between the teeth, which is beneficial in fighting bad breath (halitosis) and periodontal disease (gum disease). You can purchase a "water pik"� that will take batteries so it is portable.

While looking for mouthwashes, which can be a daunting task, try to look for those that contain Cetylpyridinium chloride and zinc chloride. A mouthwash that does not contain these ingredients will mask the odor for a limited amount of time, but give no long lasting results to eliminating the odor of bad breath. Also Hydrogen Peroxide is a great rinse because it release oxygen and the bacteria in the mouth thrive in an environment without oxygen.