Bad
breath can cause you to be self-conscious and less confident. It can be a huge
turn-off and make you unappealing. You might not even know you have it until
someone tells you about it or reacts involuntarily to express displeasure with
your stinky breath. There are times when bad breath can occur even if you brush
your teeth at least two times a day or gargle regularly. In that case, the odor
may be caused by an underlying condition such as gum disease, also
known as periodontitis. Here’s how it can cause bad breath:
- Gum disease is caused by
bacteria – Your mouth is a constant breeding ground of bacteria, which can
accumulate and cause plaque and the teeth and gums to rot. Bacteria is
likely to thrive more in your mouth if you do not brush your teeth and
floss daily. The food and debris stay in your mouth to collect bacteria
and rot, too, causing the unpleasant odor.
- Oral plaque leads to gum
disease, which causes bad breath – Bacteria thrives in plaque, too, and it
is the sticky substance forming on your teeth after brushing. To get rid
of bacteria, your immune system releases substances to damage and inflame
your gums, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament, resulting in bleeding
and swollen gums or gingivitis, an early stage of periodontitis. Damage
can cause your teeth to loosen, too, which can lead to severe
periodontitis, the disease’s advanced stage. Schedule your appointment
with an expert Sterling dentistry
before it’s too late.
- Plaque buildup can cause gum inflammation – If you do not get rid of plaque, it accumulates below your gum line to cause inflammation. When gums are swollen, they detach from your teeth to create pockets or spaces between them. Bacteria can go between those spaces, too, resulting in further buildup of plaque.
If
left untreated, bleeding gums and plaque buildup can cause your breath to
stink. Hence, be sure to have your mouth checked by a dentist in
Sterling VA, if you notice that you have bad breath or someone tells
you about it. That way, your condition can be properly diagnosed and any
underlying disease can be treated effectively.