Does Gum Health Affect Your Breath?

Bad breath has been a problem for many people, especially those who don’t have the best oral health. While most causes of bad breath are associated with poor oral hygiene, some believe that gum health plays an essential factor as well. The best dentists in San Jose agree that the condition of your gums is often linked to unpleasant breath.  

In addition to being unhygienic, having bad breath is also unpleasant, especially if you are regularly around people you know. Understanding the causes and progression of your unpleasant breath is essential to help solve this oral health problem. In this article, we’ll explore the different causes of bad breath and if untreated gum disease is one of its main reasons.  

How Your Breath Is Affected by Gum Disease    

Gingivitis  

One common reason for bad breath brought on by gum disease is gingivitis. Gingivitis is a condition where plaque at the base of the teeth hardens, irritating and infecting the gums and resulting in bad breath. The symptoms of this condition include bad breath, bleeding gums, and unpleasant chewing.  

Periodontitis  

A severe gum condition called periodontitis is brought on by plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth and gums. One of the main reasons for this oral health issue includes infection caused by poor oral hygiene. When you don’t observe proper oral hygiene, your mouth can develop bacteria and other elements that could cause bad breath and bleeding gums.  

Patients with periodontitis can lessen the harmful effects of the disease on their health by maintaining proper oral hygiene practices and seeing their dentist at least twice a year.  

Halitosis  

Halitosis is one of the main reasons for bad breath brought on by gum disease. This oral health condition is often characterized by chronic bad breath. While there are several potential causes of halitosis, an abundance of bacteria in the mouth is the most common cause. You can avoid halitosis by visiting your dentist regularly and observing proper oral hygiene.  

Necrotizing Periodontal Disease  

This gum disease is more prevalent in patients with systemic illnesses, such as HIV, immunosuppression, malnutrition, and other similar conditions. Necrosis, defined as the loss of living tissue, occurs when the gingiva, periodontal ligaments, and alveolar bone are deprived of the nutrition they require to remain healthy. People suffering from this disease often have bad breath because they lose the living tissues in their mouths.  

Dental Abscess

An infection-filled pocket in the gums or in the region between the gums and the teeth is known as a gum abscess. A tooth abscess or another problem with oral hygiene, such as periodontitis, may have allowed bacteria to enter the area. Although they may overlap with similar symptoms and treatments, gum abscesses and gum infection are slightly different. When the abscess bursts, it can emit a bad odor that could cause bad breath.

Other Types of Gum Disease  

Aggressive periodontitis  

Chronic periodontitis  

Gum infection    

Are You Looking for the Best Dentist in San Jose?    

While bad oral hygiene, pungent foods, and tooth decay contribute to bad breath, other causes are generally disregarded. Our team can help treat your bad breath and gum disease at the Center for Advanced Dentistry. If you’re interested in learning how gum disease may impact your oral health, give us a call today!