Can Bad Breath be Caused by Gum Disease?

There are several different reasons as to why a person may have bad breath. Gum disease happens to be one of the most common reasons why a person may have developed bad breath.

The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. It is characterized by red, swollen gums that tend to bleed easily when brushed or flossed. Gingivitis can occur in any age group, and a failure to properly brush and floss your teeth is the most likely cause. Improving your oral home care regimen and visiting the dentist every six months for a professional exam and cleaning can sometimes be all that is needed to treat and reverse the effects of gingivitis.

If gingivitis is allowed to progress, it will develop into a far more serious stage of gum disease that is known as periodontitis. Periodontitis is characterized by an inflammation of both the gums and the bone tissue that surrounds the teeth. Periodontitis damages the bone to such an extent that the gums start to pull away from the bone and create periodontal pockets. These pockets serve as a safe haven for the bacteria that cause bad breath. Furthermore, the waste products of the bacteria also contribute to bad breath.

Researchers have found that those patients who suffer from periodontitis develop a coating on the tongue that is not only thicker, but also more volatile than those who do not have the disease. This tongue coating also contributes to bad breath. Periodontal treatments such as scaling and root planing, and also surgical procedures such as pocket reduction surgery, can be used to combat the bad breath that is caused by gum disease.

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