Warning Signs that You Have an Abscess
An abscess warns you about an infection, but what warns you about an abscess? If you miss these signs of an abscess you may be neglecting a serious oral health problem.
Chronic Bad Breath? It Could Be a Sign of Periodontal Disease
Bad breath can stem from many causes. However, if you always have bad breath, it could be a sign of a more serious underlying issue. A common reason is periodontal disease. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and also causes chronic bad breath.
Hannah Baek, DDS, and our team at Healthy Smile Dental in Woodridge, Illinois, understand how bad breath influences your life, making work and social situations awkward. That’s why we provide expert care for periodontal disease that could be causing your constant halitosis.
Plaque and tartar cause periodontal disease
Did you know that your mouth is home to millions of bacterial microbes? While most are harmless or even helpful for digestion, some can become problematic if they multiply excessively.
Even with regular flossing and brushing, plaque can accumulate on your teeth. Plaque hardens into tartar, which contributes to the growth of bacteria, potentially leading to gum disease. Your gumline is particularly susceptible, and professional cleaning is necessary to remove it effectively.
If plaque and tartar are not removed, they irritate the gums, leading to redness, swelling, and tenderness. This condition is initially known as gingivitis. However, if it advances, it becomes periodontal disease.
Your breath is an early signal
If you have tender, swollen gums, along with persistent bad breath, it could be a sign of infection. Even after brushing your teeth, your mouth may still feel sour, and you may experience a bad taste that lingers throughout the day.
Other signs could indicate gum disease when they occur simultaneously with bad breath. The most common symptoms include:
- Swollen red gums
- Bleeding gums when performing home oral care
- Tender gums
- Pain when eating
- Cold or hot teeth sensitivity
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
If you notice any of these symptoms and you have constant bad breath, you have likely developed periodontal disease.
It will only get worse
Without proper treatment, plaque and tartar create pockets between the teeth and gums where bacteria thrive. These pockets provide a conducive environment for bacterial growth that regular dental hygiene practices may not effectively address. The bacteria feed off the tissue of your gums and teeth and eventually infect the bones of your jaw.
When periodontal disease becomes advanced, it endangers the roots of your teeth and leads to tooth loss. In some cases, advanced periodontal disease has been linked to the spread of infection in the body through the bloodstream.
Get treatment for halitosis and periodontal disease
By scheduling an appointment and receiving treatment, you can prevent the advancement of periodontal disease. Taking your home oral care to the next level with regular cleanings and checkups can be the key to curing chronic bad breath. During a dental checkup, we can also investigate other causes of halitosis.
Contact Healthy Smile Dental to schedule an exam and consultation. We have convenient online booking to make the process even easier!
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