It can be hard to figure out the causes of persistent bad breath, especially once you’ve eliminated factors like oral hygiene and smelly foods. If you’re struggling with persistent bad breath no matter what you do, your problem might actually be in your gums.
Chronic bad breath, or a bad taste in your mouth, are some of the signs of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease.
If you can’t get rid of your bad breath, you may need professional help. After diagnosis and treatment for periodontal disease, your bad breath problems can be resolved for good. At Meadowbrook Dental Care, we provide wide-ranging dental services for patients on Long Island, including periodontal disease support
Bacteria buildup?
Periodontal disease happens when too much bacteria builds up on your teeth. This buildup, also called plaque, leads to the formation of toxins, irritating the sensitive tissues of your gums. Plaque causes both gum disease and tooth decay. Remove plaque by regularly brushing, flossing, and attending scheduled professional cleanings.
When too much plaque has built up in your mouth, symptoms like a bad taste or bad breath indicate the presence of toxins. Without treatment, periodontal disease can lead to permanent damage to your gums and even your jawbone. Bad breath is an early symptom of periodontal disease, alerting you that you need treatment before the condition progresses.
Sulfur smells?
The bad smells associated with periodontal disease come from chemical interactions between oral bacteria and your bodily fluids. If you have periodontal disease, the gingival fluid in your mouth will have more of some specific substrates, such as proteins and peptides, than a healthy person’s. When these proteins and peptides are hydrolyzed, they give off a smell like sulfur, causing bad breath.
Time for a dental deep-clean
To treat periodontal disease, we recommend a thorough cleaning of your entire mouth, also called debridement. If your case has progressed beyond a certain point, you may also need scaling and root planing to fully clear out all of the bacterial pockets in your mouth.
In the most severe cases, we may use a laser to promote healing or give you a prescription for antibiotics to clear up any lingering infection.
You might need a few follow-up maintenance treatments to fully return your gums to health. Good dental hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, prevents bad bacteria from building back up to toxic levels.
If you’re concerned that your bad breath may indicate an underlying issue, make an appointment with us at Meadowbrook Dental Care. Our skilled and compassionate dentists can diagnose the causes of your bad breath and guide you through treatment options. Call our Mineola, New York, office or conveniently book your appointment online.