Chronic Bad Breath? It Could Be a Sign of Gum Disease

If your bad breath is chronic or recurring, the culprit is likely gum disease, which means it’s time to see the dentist. 

As a top-rated dentist in Santa Monica, California, Jason Ray, DDS, diagnoses gum disease through comprehensive dental exams and provides targeted treatments to improve gum health. In this post, Dr. Ray explains the connection between gum disease and chronic bad breath.

Quick facts about gum disease

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is extremely common. It affects about half of American adults age 30 and older. By age 65, nearly three-quarters of people have some form of gum disease. 

Gum disease occurs when bacteria already present in the mouth collect along the gum line, usually encased in a layer of sticky plaque. As these bacteria multiply, they release toxic byproducts that irritate the gums and cause the gum tissue to recede.

Over time, gum recession allows bacteria to reach deeper parts of your teeth. Bacteria traveling to the tooth roots can weaken the tooth and cause tooth loss, along with more advanced infections.

Gum disease and chronic bad breath

The byproducts released by bacteria don’t just irritate your gums; They release foul odors, too. These odors are the primary cause of bad breath associated with gum disease. Every time you speak, those odors escape.

You can also develop bad breath if gum disease causes infections that produce pus. Pus is a byproduct of infection, containing dead blood cells, dead tissue, and other smelly products.

Gum disease is a common cause of chronic bad breath that​​ it has its nickname: perio breath. And unlike lousy breath caused by smelly foods and drinks, bad breath from gum disease can’t be “fixed” by brushing and gargling.

Treating gum disease

Depending on its stage, Dr. Ray offers an array of treatments for gum disease. For very mild disease in its early stages, many people benefit from more frequent cleanings to remove plaque and bacteria and prevent gum recession.

For more advanced gum disease, Dr. Ray recommends more profound cleaning techniques to reach below the gum line and remove bacteria all along the tooth surface, including the root. Very advanced disease may require gum disease surgery to treat the infection and restore damaged gums.

Gum disease may be a relatively common cause of chronic bad breath, but other issues can also cause it. To find out why your breath is foul and how to get rid of it, call Jason Ray's office, DDS, today or request an appointment online.