Why Bad Breath Happens

Bad breath can cause you to be self-conscious and less confident. It can be a huge turn-off and make you unappealing. You might not even know you have it until someone tells you about it or reacts involuntarily to express displeasure with your stinky breath. There are times when bad breath can occur even if you brush your teeth at least two times a day or gargle regularly. In that case, the odor may be caused by an underlying condition such as gum disease, also known as periodontitis. Here’s how it can cause bad breath:

• Gum disease is caused by bacteria – Your mouth is a constant breeding ground of bacteria, which can accumulate and cause plaque and the teeth and gums to rot. Bacteria is likely to thrive more in your mouth if you do not brush your teeth and floss daily. The food and debris stay in your mouth to collect bacteria and rot, too, causing the unpleasant odor.
  
  
• Oral plaque leads to gum disease, which causes bad breath – Bacteria thrives in plaque, too, and it is the sticky substance forming on your teeth after brushing. To get rid of bacteria, your immune system releases substances to damage and inflame your gums, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament, resulting in bleeding and swollen gums or gingivitis, an early stage of periodontitis. Damage can cause your teeth to loosen, too, which can lead to severe periodontitis, the disease’s advanced stage. Schedule your appointment with an expert Sterling dentistry before it’s too late.
  
  
• Plaque buildup can cause gum inflammation – If you do not get rid of plaque, it accumulates below your gum line to cause inflammation. When gums are swollen, they detach from your teeth to create pockets or spaces between them. Bacteria can go between those spaces, too, resulting in further buildup of plaque.

If left untreated, bleeding gums and plaque buildup can cause your breath to stink. Hence, be sure to have your mouth checked by a dentist in Sterling VA, if you notice that you have bad breath or someone tells you about it. That way, your condition can be properly diagnosed and any underlying disease can be treated effectively.