What Is Perio Breath? The Connection Between Gum Disease and Halitosis

Have you ever had your teeth brushed, used a mouthwash, and swallowed a mint but you could still notice a bad smell? If I’m describing your every morning, you might have what’s called “perio breath”. This is never just morning breath, but rather a sign that your gums could be suffering. Let’s try to get to the bottom of this smelly issue together.

Gum Disease 101: The Covert Offender

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection that invades the tissues supporting your teeth. Most often, it all begins with the build-up of plaque – that sticky, bacteria-infested film that you’re washing away daily, right? But do you get every inch of your teeth and gums? If even a tiny bit of plaque remains, it solidifies into tartar.

There are two stages of periodontal disease:

• Gingivitis: This is the shot across your bow. If you do, your gums become inflamed (red and puffy) and they may bleed a little when brushing or flossing. But the good news is that gingivitis can be reversed with a little TLC from you and your dentist.
• Periodontitis: This is the point without turning back. The infection would also reach the interior of your gum which leads to a receding of gums. So you have little pockets where bacteria get down and party, causing all sorts of bone damage... or tooth loss.

The Perio Breath Connection: Bad News from Bad Bacteria

That funky breath, though... Back to that in a moment. It's the bacteria that cause gum disease that are really at fault. As they eat particles of food and gum tissue, hyphae produce foul-smelling gasses. This is your perio breath in a can

The more severe the gum disease, the greater the number of bacteria and accordingly stronger smell. If you are having difficulty keeping friends from your breath alone, this may be a sign of gum damage.

Spotting Perio Breath: Beyond the Smell

Aside from the clear-as-day bad breath, here are other signs that perio breath may be your problem:

• Bad taste: Oh, and that morning cup of coffee is just not the same bad taste in your mouth!
• Dry mouth: Saliva helps in rinsing the mouth. The less saliva your mouth produces, the more of an environment it is welcoming for bacteria.
• Coating on your tongue: You know that fuzziness when wake up in the morning, well it's actually bacteria saying hello.
• Changes in your bite: If you are biting down and your teeth feel differently, it could be associated with gum loss.

Kicking Perio Breath to the Curb

Ready for some good news? You can cure perio breath, but you need to dig deeper — the gum disease itself. Here's the game plan:

1. Professional Cleaning at SmileBreeze Dentistry:  At SmileBreeze Dentistry, our hygienists are skilled at thoroughly cleaning teeth of plaque and tartar from all sides above the gum line as well as below it. It's like a day at the spa for your gums!
2. Brush, Floss, Repeat: This is nothing new here but this simple habit will assist you greatly. Plaque builds up on your teeth between twice-daily brushings, so floss and use an antimicrobial mouthwash daily to kill any leftover bacteria.
3. Regular Checkups: As with any preventative care, come to SmileBreeze Dentistry for regular checkups. Regular checkups make it so we can catch gum disease early or not have to worry about that.

Beyond the Gums: Other Breath Busters

While gum disease is a major bad breath culprit, other things can cause it too:

• Food: Garlic and onions, anyone?
• Dry mouth: Sip water throughout the day and ask SmileBreeze Dentistry about dry mouth solutions.
• Medical conditions: If your breath is stubbornly bad, it's worth checking with your doctor to rule out any underlying issues.

When to Call in the Pros at SmileBreeze Dentistry

Is bad breath an obstacle making you self-conscious or are these at-home improved remedies failing? - Do not delay to give SmileBreeze Dentistry a call! We will get to the bottom of what is causing it and we can personalize a plan that will keep your breath fresh, and smile healthy.

SmileBreeze Dentistry: Your Fresh Breath Place!

You do not have to deal With having a bad breath With SmileBreeze Dentistry, we will help provide you with the confidence that comes from a healthy and attractive mouth. Whether it's treating gum disease prevention or simply some fresh breath tips, we have you covered.

So are you ready to get your fresh breath back? Contact SmileBreeze Dentistry today for a consultation, and we will devise a custom oral health plan so your teeth look as good on the outside as they are under the surface.