Periodontal Disease and Bad Breath

Bad breath can be an embarrassing problem. Although sometimes the cause can be benign, at other times, bad breath may indicate the presence of serious dental conditions. If you have chronic or severe bad breath, a checkup with our North Hollywood dentist is in order to diagnose and treat the problem.

Periodontal disease is an extremely common cause of bad breath. Periodontal disease is caused by oral bacteria, which lives in plaque. Poor dental hygiene contributes to the condition. Those who are over 35, smokers and individuals who are missing teeth may be at the greatest risk.

The infection generally begins as mild gum irritation. Your gums may appear red or swollen, and they may bleed when you brush or floss. As periodontal disease progresses, pockets of infection can develop along the gumline. These pockets can be difficult to clean, and the bacteria will eventually spread. These bacteria produce volatile sulfur compounds, which cause bad breath.

The best way to prevent bad breath associated with gum disease is to maintain excellent dental hygiene. Brush your teeth after meals or at least twice daily, and floss at least once a day. Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse to eliminate even more bacteria, and visit our dentist at least twice a year for a professional cleaning and routine exam. If you already have chronic bad breath or any symptoms of gum disease, contact our North Hollywood periodontal treatments expert to learn more about your treatment options and keep your breath fresh and friendly in the future.