Many people struggle with bad breath, especially those who don’t have excellent oral health. While most causes of bad breath are related to poor oral hygiene, Fort Pierce dentists believe there’s a correlation between your breath and gums. If you want to learn more about how your gum health affects your breath, here’s what your breath says about your gum health.   

How Gum Disease Affects Your Breath

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a typical cause of bad breath brought on by gum disease. Plaque at the base of the teeth can solidify into gingivitis, which irritates and inflames the gums and gives off an unpleasant odor. The signs of this illness include pain when chewing, bleeding gums, and poor breath.  

Periodontitis

Plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth and gums can cause periodontitis, a severe disorder of the gums. The infection brought on by poor oral hygiene is one of the leading causes of this oral health problem. If you don’t practice good dental hygiene, germs and other bacteria may grow in your mouth and cause bleeding gums and bad breath.  

Halitosis

One of the leading causes of bad breath brought on by gum disease is halitosis. Chronic bad breath is a common feature of this oral health issue. Halitosis may have several possible causes, but the most typical one is an overabundance of bacteria in the mouth and gums. You can prevent halitosis by seeing your dentist regularly and practicing good oral hygiene.

Are You Looking for a Reliable Fort Pierce Dentist?

While tooth decay, spicy foods, and poor oral care all contribute to foul breath, other factors, such as gum disease, are often overlooked. At Smooth Sailing Dental, our staff can help you deal with gum disease and bad breath. Give us a call today to learn more about your oral health!