Halitosis – More Than Just Bad Breath?

Smelly breath? More damage than simply your social life…..

The fact that we find it difficult to smell our own breath means that this aspect of our personal hygiene can be easy to ignore. Unlike other body odours, there is often little to notify us that we need to take action to rectify the problem.

The most likely indicator of bad breath is the reaction of others. Whilst it may take a very good friend to actually come out and tell us that we have bad breath, others are likely to step back or move their faces away from us during conversation.

Degrees of bad breath

Sometimes, our breath may be affected by our diet; garlic being the most well known culprit. Whilst this and other substances such as coffee and alcohol can affect our breath though, this is likely to be temporary and, although not pleasant, will not give off the smell of halitosis when caused by one of the most common factors; gum disease.

This smell is caused by gases that are excreted from the bacteria which consume the food particles that are left in our teeth. If our oral health is neglected, these bacteria will increase in number and our teeth and gums will suffer as a result.

Gingivitis and periodontitis

Early stage gum disease is called gingivitis and is likely to be indicated by, not only bad breath, but also sore or bleeding gums.

Whilst this stage can be uncomfortable, it can also be rectified reasonably quickly if caught early. Following a visit to our Burton dental practice, we may suggest improvements to your oral health care regime; very often the addition of flossing, which too few people do. In addition, any hardened plaque, the built up bacteria, may need to be removed from the teeth and gums by the dentist at Alexandra Dental Care.

Whilst gingivitis is relatively easily treated; the same cannot be said for periodontitis, which is a later stage of gum disease and far more serious.

With periodontitis, it is not only the gums which are affected by the bacteria, but the bone in the jaw too.  As this is attacked, the bone will start to degrade and, eventually, become incapable of supporting the teeth that it holds in place.  Once this occurs, tooth loss is a distinct possibility.

Providing that the problem is identified early enough though, the plaque may still be removed. In the case of periodontitis though, this is a more invasive procedure as the teeth have to be cleaned right down to the root. Should this procedure not succeed, the tooth will be lost and a replacement, such as a dental implant, may become necessary.

Prevention

Whilst we are always very keen to assist you with your personal dental hygiene, for example by removing hardened plaque, the fact is that gum disease is largely preventable.

By ensuring that you regularly brush and floss your teeth and visit us for regular check ups, you should be in good shape to remain free of gum disease and also keep your breath fresh.

To have your overall oral health checked, please call us on 01283 216347 to arrange an appointment.

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