Bad breath can result from poor oral hygiene or certain foods and beverages; however, it can also be a sign of a more significant underlying problem. Here's what you should know.
The Dark Side of Chronic Bad Breath
If your bad breath isn't alleviated with brushing, flossing, mouth rinse, gum, or mints, it may be an early sign of gum disease (gingivitis). Constant bad breath that you can't get rid of is a telltale sign of gingivitis, and it's a good idea to schedule a teeth cleaning and checkup with your dentist.
Gingivitis can be hard to detect at first because there's not really much pain associated with it, but some other signs to look for are red and swollen gums and bleeding during brushing and flossing.
When we identify gingivitis early, you can often reverse your condition with a professional teeth cleaning and some enhancements to your home care routine. If gum disease is allowed to progress, it will move into an advanced stage known as periodontitis.
If you suffer from periodontitis, you may notice pain or tenderness when eating, or tooth mobility.
Don't wait to contact your Jensen Beach dentist at (772) 334-4004 if you notice the early signs of gingivitis. You still have time to get your smile back on track!