What's Your Chronic Bad Breath Trying to Tell You?

Chronic bad breath can make you a social pariah, but beyond the surface-level embarrassment, it could be a symptom of a more profound health issue. 

Here, Dr. Caesar Sweidan and Dr. Laura Smith, our experts at St. Tammany Periodontics & Implants, explore what causes bad breath (halitosis), focusing on the often-overlooked oral health conditions gingivitis and periodontitis and how recognizing these signs can turn your oral health around and banish bad breath for good.

Halitosis and its causes 

Halitosis, the technical term for chronic bad breath, is an unpleasant problem that affects millions. It can stem from several different sources, so identifying its root cause is the only way to stop it. Here are the key culprits:

Poor oral hygiene

Most people know to brush and floss daily to maintain good oral health, but some never make it part of their routine. Neglecting these habits allows bacteria to thrive, leading to teeth and gum issues that can stink up your breath.

Dry mouth

Saliva serves as nature’s mouthwash, continuously rinsing your mouth to keep it fresh. Dry mouth, or xerostomia, diminishes this natural cleanse, often accompanied by bad breath-emanating bacteria.

Poor diet

Certain foods, especially those high in sulfur compounds, are notorious for leaving a smelly fingerprint. Garlic and onions, among others, compromise breath quality.

Infections and diseases

Respiratory infections and chronic sinusitis may trigger halitosis, and more systemic conditions such as diabetes can affect the scent of your breath.

As dental specialists, we zero in on two oral conditions that are often the prime suspects for persistent bad breath: gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis 

Gingivitis, an inflammation in the gums, is a milder form of gum disease that often leads to periodontitis. Common symptoms include red or swollen gums that may bleed during brushing or flossing. 

If you have gingivitis, you likely have bad breath for two reasons. One, the bacteria buildup is stinky, and two, inflammation and bleeding smell foul.

Periodontitis 

If left unchecked, gingivitis can morph into a more severe form — periodontitis, where the infection irritates your gums and erodes the bone supporting your teeth. 

In addition to chronic bad breath, you could experience gum recession and tooth loss. 

Don’t ignore these silent but powerful signs. Your mouth, the gateway to your body, often allows you to peer into your overall health. When you recognize these signs, you can fortify your dental regimen and work with our specialists to address the issue head-on.

Treating halitosis

Fortunately, addressing gingivitis and periodontitis early on offers an excellent prognosis for recovery. St. Tammany Periodontics & Implants offers modern techniques for treating these conditions.

Periodontal therapy

For milder periodontal concerns, we perform a deep dental cleaning that involves scaling and root planing. This process meticulously removes plaque and tartar from deep pockets along the teeth and smooths the root surfaces. 

Periodontal Treatment

In advanced cases, periodontal treatment is typically the best recourse. Dr. Sweidan and Dr. Smith use the latest laser therapy technology, reducing the procedure's invasiveness and promoting faster recovery. This step capitalizes on your body’s innate capacity to heal itself.

Tooth restoration and replacement

If the damage is irreversible, you may need tooth replacement with dental implants. Our team offers a sophisticated, computer-guided implant procedure that minimizes disruptions to the area and employs regenerative medicine techniques to ensure optimal healing.

The key to effective treatment is understanding that bad breath is more than a social inconvenience; it’s the tip of an iceberg, signaling deeper issues within. Call St. Tammany Periodontics & Implants in Slidell or Covington, Louisiana, or request an appointment online to get to the bottom of your bad breath problem.