Gum Disease Can Cause Bad Breath

I just returned from a "spring break" vacation in Santa Monica, Calif., a lovely town just west of L.A. that overlooks the Pacific.

One of the things I noticed was that so many people there looked trim and fit. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people walk, run, bike, and rollerblade on the paved roadway along the beach every day. Still more are seen running through the city streets, hiking up mountains, or running up what my son calls "the stairs," a flight of nearly 300 steps running up the side of a steep hill on the north side of the city.

Now what does this have to do with gum disease and bad breath?

Not much, really, except that I want to point out that regardless of whether or not you are in poor or excellent physical condition, chances are good you may have gum disease and, consequently, bad breath.

In fact, research shows that about one in three American adults aged 30 to 54 has some form of periodontitis, commonly known as gum disease.

Basically, gum disease is a bacterial gum infection that attacks and destroys your gums and supporting bone that hold your teeth in your mouth. You can have one or more teeth affected by gum disease.

The major cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque -- a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If you don't remove the plaque, it can turn into a hard substance called tartar in less than 48 hours.

When tartar occurs you can only have it removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. This is why daily brushing is so important.

Plaque contains bacteria that infects the gums, releasing poisons that cause redness and irritation. It's the combination of inflammation (irritation) and the poisons that destroy the gum tissue supporting your teeth, including the bone.

When this occurs, the gums separate microscopically from the teeth and form pockets that fill with even more plaque, which in turn causes even more infection.

What are the signs or common symptoms of gum disease?

The include:

Red, swollen or tender gums

gums pulling away from the teeth, making teeth appear longer

loose or separating teeth

pus between the gum and tooth

bleeding while brushing or flossing

persistent bad breath

a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

a change in the fit of partial dentures.

The best way to avoid gum disease -- and one of the causes of bad breath -- is to faithfully brush and floss your teeth every day. Also, regular visits to a dentist can help provide a more thorough cleaning.


That's it for now. Talk to you later... Meanwhile, if you'd care to make a comment or share a story involving your dental health and bad breath, please do so. Thanks.