There are many things that your dentist or periodontist may worry about that you aren’t aware of. For example, if you have consistently bad breath and have tried multiple home remedies to rid yourself of it, then it’s likely a symptom of something much more serious, such as periodontal disease. For patients in Encinitas/San Diego, the presence of chronic bad breath could be just the beginning of a serious threat to their smiles. If ignored, the issue causing it will continue to grow increasingly worse.

What could it mean?

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is the product of excessive oral bacteria accumulation on your gums. These microbes inflame and irritate your gums, and along with the tissue erosion, the presence of so many bacteria can contribute to your chronically bad breath. The more severe your bad breath is, the more severe your gum disease has become and the bigger the threat to your overall oral health.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease occurs in stages, with the accumulation of bacteria being the first. The infection, known as gingivitis, quickly grows worse as it’s left untreated, and so do its symptoms (including bad breath). This progression comes in the form of more serious gum tissue erosion, and in severe cases, it can also include the erosion of the jawbone structure that supports your teeth.

What other symptoms are present?

In addition to bad breath, gum disease can also lead to a wide range of other symptoms, each of which grows more prominent as time goes by. For example, you may also notice signs such as:

• Bleeding gums
• Darkened areas of gum tissue
• Loose teeth
• Sensitive teeth (especially around the roots)
• Sore, painful gums
• And more

Learn what your bad breath could mean

If you have consistently bad breath, then it may be a symptom of an underlying condition such as periodontal disease. For more information, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kania by calling her periodontal office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.