Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA
Bad breath can plague you at the worst time; right before an important business meeting, during a first date, or while chatting with friends. In some instances, a bout of bad breath could be a result of something you ate, like onions or garlic, and in other cases, could be caused by tobacco usage. But if your bad breath lingers and doesn’t go away after you’ve digested your food and brushed and flossed your teeth, then something else could be causing the foul odor. Keep reading our blog today to find out what could be causing your bad breath all the time.
Why do people experience bad breath even after they brush their teeth?
If your bad breath persists after brushing and flossing your teeth, it could be due to an underlying oral health condition. Nearly half of the adults in the U.S. have gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. You can develop gingivitis from not taking excellent care of your teeth and gums and if you never get your teeth cleaned professionally. Gingivitis begins when plaque, a sticky film that adheres to your teeth, is not removed with regular brushing and flossing. Oral bacteria secrete acids in your mouth, which when mixed with saliva, causes plaque to form. If left on your teeth, plaque hardens into tartar, which is a yellow or discolored buildup around the gum line and between your teeth. You may notice tartar buildup is most prevalent between and behind your lower front teeth. This is a problem area for everybody, even those that practice good oral hygiene habits daily. Professional dental cleanings are the only way to remove tartar.
If ignored, tartar collects oral bacteria that eventually infect the gums, causing them to swell, bleed easily, and become sensitive and red. As a result of this active oral infection, you may experience bad breath. The good news is that gingivitis is reversible by taking better care of your oral health and seeing the dentist twice a year for cleanings and exams. However, if you neglect your oral health, gingivitis worsens and becomes periodontal or gum disease.
As the infection spreads, bacteria form pockets under your gum line, making it even more difficult to clean. At this point, the disease has created a cascading effect and will worsen without proper treatment. Because the gum pockets harbor bacteria and food particles, you’re more likely to experience foul-smelling breath that is described as a rotten smell known as perio breath. Unfortunately, you cannot brush and floss away perio breath. Only professional periodontal treatments can stop the bad breath and prevent the disease from worsening. Eventually, gum disease can result in total tooth loss and jawbone resorption, which could make wearing replacement teeth or dentures difficult.
Since gum disease is quite common among adults, it is best to see a dentist if you think that you may have it or experience bad breath that does not seem to go away. Usually, gum disease can be managed with proper at-home care, paired with professional dental treatments that are right for your case.
Family Dentists in Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
Say goodbye to bad breath once and for all by scheduling a consultation with Hamilton Dental Care. We can assess your oral health and determine if you have gum disease. If you do, we can help get you on the right track by improving your oral health, and your breath. Learn more by contacting Hamilton Dental Care at (570) 387-0533. We welcome patients of Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg.
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