BAD BREATH, WHAT IS IT ASSOCIATED WITH?

Bad breath doesn't just smell bad; it has the potential to cause oral health, or mouth, problems if left unchecked.  Furthermore, if left untreated, halitosis (bad breath ) can have long term effects on the health of your teeth and gums, eventually serving as a precursor to a deficiency in oral and systemic health.

Bad breath may be a sign of a deficiency in your body or mouth.  It does not only mean that you had too much garlic or onions on your breath.  Lets focus on what halitosis may actually be a sign of:

Certain smells noted on the breath may signal that something is not quite right inside your body,  These smells may include those like ammonia ( possible liver issues ) and  fishy or urine-like ( possible kidney failure ) stents.  When mouth health is determined not to be the cause of your bad breath you should consider consulting with your physician to evaluate the overall healthy of your body.  When suspecting the mouth as the culprit for your halitosis we will need to consider the following:

• GUM DISEASE

           Gum disease is caused by poor gum health and a buildup of plaque and tartar on, around, and below your teeth and gums.  Bad breath can be a warning sign of periodontal disease ( gum disease ).  When left untreated, the overwhelming amount of bacteria in the mouth results in toxins that irritate and breakdown the underlying gum and bone structures that support our teeth.  Treated with regular professional cleanings and evaluations this disease may be reversed, thereby eliminating the foul mouth odors.

• Tooth Decay

           Dental caries ( decay or cavities ) may be a cause of bad breath once it has spread beyond the outer surface of the tooth enamel.  A cavitation or break in the tooth structure due to advanced tooth decay will eventually result in an acidic environment related to bacterial breakdown of the natural tooth enamel or dentin.  The toxins produced as a result will also be associated with a foul odor related to the natural process underway.  When this breakdown involves the underlying and surrounding gum tissue inflammation and irritation will also be seen.  This inflammatory response could also be associated with bacterial invasion and resulting halitosis.  Having your oral health in check and committing to regular professional and home care management will prevent this destructive process from beginning or progressing to a point of no return.

• Bone Loss

           Periodontal disease, or periodontitis, is a bacterial infection that causes the breakdown of gums and bone.  This breakdown is caused by an accumulation of a bacteria- infested plaque and tartar buildup around your teeth.  Not only does periodontal disease cause bone loss but it is one of the biggest causes of bad breath, or halitosis.  Deep pockets of bacteria are formed around the teeth as a result of the breakdown, enabling a bacterial harvest.  Once at this point a professional periodontal evaluation and treatment is recommended so as to promote a better balance of microflora within in the mouth, eventually resulting in fresher and healthier breath.

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