Nothing will send folks running quicker than a case of bad breath! You may not even be aware that you have bad breath, but you’ll sure notice when people start avoiding you. If you’re lucky enough to have someone tell you about your bad breath, rather than be offended, take heed! Chronic halitosis (bad breath) can be an indicator of deeper oral issues, and it’s probably a good time to schedule an appointment with your dental provider. Here’s some more information about the keys to controlling bad breath in Brampton, ON.
What Causes Bad Breath?
While there are many factors that can contribute to bad breath, here are few to keep in mind when determining the cause of your halitosis:
- Certain health conditions such as diabetes and kidney failure
- Dry mouth
- Certain foods such as garlic or curry
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Poor oral hygiene
- Periodontal (gum) disease
There are products such as antibacterial mouth rinses that are designed to help you manage bad breath, however partnering with your dental provider is the best way to determine what’s causing your bad breath and how to best control it.
Periodontal Disease
Chronic halitosis is one of the early indicators of gum disease. You may also notice that your gums are red and swollen, or that they bleed when you brush your teeth. This stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, and the good news is that this stage can be treated with a thorough cleaning and improved home care. If detected early, you may even be able to reverse your condition at this time.
Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease. It’s in this stage that the damage to your bone begins to occur. Gum disease is the infection of the tissues and bone surrounding your teeth, and when you suffer from periodontitis you’re at risk for bone and tooth loss. This stage will require a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing to effectively manage your condition.
Preventative Care
Regular visits to your dentist for cleanings and check ups are your first line of defense against conditions such as periodontal disease, oral cancer, and tooth decay. Your dentist is actually able to detect these conditions much earlier than you can because there’s not much pain, or many symptoms associated with them at first. Early detection ensures that you have the best chance for the least invasive and most effective treatment.
At Torbram Dental, we want to be your partners in helping you achieve and maintain optimum oral health for a lifetime. Our highly skilled team of dentists is well equipped to guide you through any stage of periodontal disease you may encounter, however we’d love to help you prevent this condition from happening in the first place. Contact our office today to schedule your next dental appointment.