Swollen gums and gingivitis ..myths and facts
Have you ever had the need to cover your mouth for fear of bad breath ?
Have a loved one or partner mentioned that your breath is not fresh ?
There are many reasons for chronic bad breath also referred to as halitosis or fetor oris, but the result is still very embarrassing and unpleasant both for the sufferer of bad breath and those speaking to the sufferer…
Both men and women can suffer from bad breath and one in 10 people suffer from it bad enough to seek medical help as it leads to low levels of confidence, inferiority complex, and bouts of depression.
Friends and relatives will avoid your company and new associates will keep away as smelly breath is a big turn off.
SOURCES OF CHRONIC BAD BREATH
- Top surface of the tongue
- Gums and gum disease
- Smoking
- Sinus issues
- Stomach issues
- Food sources ( but this is usually temporary not chronic)
SCIENCE BEHIND BAD BREATH
The strong, bad odour comes from volatile sulfur compounds,mainly hydrogen sulfide. This arises from the breakdown of proteins from certain types of bacteria.
The proteins come from remains of food, blood and cells that are in the mouth from inflammation of the gums and soft tissues due to gum disease.
This breakdown of protein takes place in parts of the mouth such as gum pockets, top of the tongue and spacing in between teeth.
Gum disease and poor oral hygiene
The primary cause of bad breath is gum disease and bacteria embedded in the tongue .Now about 90 % of adults suffer in some form or the other with gum diseases. This is a disease where bacteria in the mouth are left to grow around the teeth and gums.
This causes a plaque like substance that can harden and turn to calculus( like the limescale found in a kettle). This calculus has bacteria that release a bad odour and in combination with the infected gums causes a very bad smell.
Test for bad breath
There are many ways to test for bad breath, including machines that can measure the odour producing bacteria (Halimeter®, Interscan Corporation) .
But the easiest way is to lick the back of your hand, let it dry and then see if the residue left has a bad odour.
If one flosses the teeth then you can test the floss for any bad odour and have a good idea if you suffer from halitosis.
Treatment for bad breath
Visit your dentist at our clinic to assess the condition of your gums and teeth and answer any questions you may have on this topic.
Carry out a course of professional dental cleaning and oral hygiene instruction, once the plaque has turned to calculus you can no longer clean it off with floss or a brush and only your dentist/hygienist can remove it.
Purchase and use a tongue scraper and floss to remove any bacteria that is stuck in these areas..
Avoid odour producing foods such as garlic, alcohol and coffee.
Article written by Dr Ilan Preiss co-director of the clinic dental clinic and 2009 and 2010 winner of UK national smile award
Please call or email Dr Preiss for any further advise or to schedule an appointment at his clinic with a dedicated “FRESH BREATH PROGRAMME” and we can detect and treat if you have bad breath.
