Bad Breath, and Other Symptoms of Gum Disease

Bad breath is one of the more common dental health concerns that you may experience, but it’s also one of the most commonly benign symptoms. For instance, your breath may be bad in the morning simply because oral bacteria have gathered more easily overnight (thanks to reduced saliva). However, bad breath that doesn’t go away is often more serious than just morning breath. For many patients in Encinitas/San Diego, it could be one of many potential symptoms of a serious condition, such as periodontal disease.

Common Signs to Look Out For

Gum tissue inflammation

The excessive accumulation of oral bacteria that leads to gum disease is one of the reasons why bad breath may be present, as well. Besides some bacteria releasing foul-smelling substances, others release toxins that inflame and erode your gum tissues. This can gradually lead to inflammation, sensitivity, and more, which become more noticeable as your gum disease advances.

Blood on your toothbrush

As gum tissues become more inflamed, they can also become damaged enough to bleed when irritated by bite pressure or by brushing and flossing your teeth. You may notice small spots of blood on your toothbrush or in your saliva when you brush your teeth, but this isn’t always accompanied by discomfort. Therefore, bleeding gums are often mistaken as not important.

Loosening teeth

Increased gum tissue inflammation and erosion can progress to jawbone degradation as gum disease grows worse. This can affect the level of support that your jawbone can provide your teeth roots, causing one or more of your teeth to become loose. If not addressed as soon as possible, this could lead to the loss of your teeth or the need to extract and replace them to restore your smile.

Find Out if Your Bad Breath Indicates Gum Disease

When your bad breath doesn’t go away, it may be one of several possible symptoms of gum disease. For more information on how to treat it and eliminate your bad breath for good, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kania by calling her periodontal office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.