Bacteria that reside between the teeth can also cause breath odor.  Most commonly this occurs in people with gingivitis or periodontal disease. To see if you have odor causing bacteria between the teeth do the floss check.  Floss a few teeth at a time.  Then, smell the floss.  If you detect a bad odor, see your dentist.

FYI: Bad breath caused from periodontal/gum disease can be one of the worst smelling breath odors.  In fact, it has a particular odor that we call “perio breath.”

How can you tell if you have bad breath associated with gum disease?

1. See your dentist!  Only your dentist can determine if you have gum disease.  We can treat the infection and give you recommendations for treating any breath problems associated with it.
2. There could also be other problems creating bad breath from between the teeth such as tooth decay or trapped food.  Only your dentist can pinpoint for sure the source of your breath odor.

Keep in mind, it’s possible to have gum disease and not have any symptoms such as bad breath.  That’s why visiting your dentist regulary is important so problems can be caught early.

Be sure to check out our previous post on the Fresh Breath Check!

Since gum disease is a bacterial infection of the bone and tissue surrounding the teeth, leaving the disease untreated can lead to:

• Bone loss around the teeth
• Loose teeth
• Eventual loss of teeth

Here are some other reasons to treat your gum condition.  Periodontal (gum) disease has been linked to the following:

• Heart disease and stroke
• Diabetes
• COPD
• Preterm, low birth weight babies in mothers with gum disease

All these health problems are linked to periodontal disease.  By treating gum disease, you may see an improvement in your overall health as well, especially if you have a history of diabetes or heart disease.

I completely understand why many people misunderstand the concept of periodontal maintenance vs. a “cleaning.”  I know I have accidentally called the periodontal maintenance appointment a “cleaning” when talking to patients.

FYI:  While many of the components are the same, a periodontal maintenance appointment has specific guidelines set by the ADA and is performed on patients who have at some point undergone periodontal therapy and thus have a history of periodontal disease. The ADA further mandates that this be performed for the lifetime of your teeth.

Keep in mind, the ADA has set these standards based on the value to your total health not just your dental health.

FYI:  Gum disease can effect anyone at any time.

Bacterial plaque is the main cause of gum disease.    There are many other contributing factors that can affect even those with immaculate home care.

1. Stress
2. Smoking/tobacco use
3. Genetics
4. Diabetes
5. Clenching or grinding your teeth
6. Puberty, pregnancy and menopause in women
7. Medications

Take the Gum Disease Risk Assessment Quiz from the American Academy of Periodontology and find out quickly what your risk level is for gum disease. Keep in mind though even if you rate at low risk, only a licensed dentist can tell you for sure if you have gum disease.