What Is Perio Breath? The Connection Between Gum Disease and Halitosis

Gum disease typically stems from poor oral hygiene, as the Cleveland Clinic notes. It's more common in individuals over 30 years old, and it generally affects men more than women. If you have any of the below symptoms, it's a good idea to make an appointment with your dentist to check your gum health:

• Bleeding, swollen or tender gums
• Sensitive or loose teeth
• Receding gums or teeth that appear longer
• Pain when chewing or a misaligned bite
• Bad breath

In its early stage, known as gingivitis, the damage to your gums may be reversible. However, once you've developed the more serious form of gum disease known as periodontitis, the breakdown of your gum tissues is irreversible.

Bad breath, known clinically as halitosis, is really caused by bacteria that are in the mouth, as the Victoria State Government explains. These bacteria break down proteins and release volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), which have a bad smell. Dental issues, such as gum disease or infection, can contribute to bad breath and make the issue more pronounced.

According to a case study in the Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry, the vast majority of halitosis cases relate to gingivitis, periodontitis or bacterial coating of the tongue. In fact, up to 80% of patients with some degree of gum disease also exhibited halitosis in the study.

As a review in the Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine (JNSBM) explains, the inflamed tissues in patients with gum disease can serve as a source for the production of VSCs in the mouth. If the patient has developed periodontitis because of extensive plaque buildup, their perio breath can increase in severity.

Just as the health of the gums affects a person's breath, the reverse is also true — halitosis can, in turn, affect a person's risk of developing periodontal disease. The JNSBM review notes that this may occur when VSC-producing bacteria migrate to the gum tissues, though the connection is not yet fully understood by dental experts.

Periodontitis requires treatment from a dental professional. As the Cleveland Clinic outlines, treatment may involve a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing, where the dental specialist eliminates all the bacteria above and below the gumline. Your dental specialist may also prescribe antimicrobial medications to control bacteria in the mouth. In more severe periodontal cases, you may need gum flap surgery or bone or tissue grafts to replace the oral structures lost to periodontal disease.

The Victoria State Government explains that the treatment for halitosis will depend on the underlying cause, so speak with your dentist about the best course of action for you. Strengthening your oral care routine with tongue scrapers or mouthwash may be a good idea.

The good news is that maintaining a strong and consistent oral care routine will lower your risk of both gum disease and halitosis. Ensure that you follow these steps to keep your oral care in tip-top shape:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss once every day.
  
• See your dentist for regular checkups and ask about additional products to help control bacteria buildup in the mouth, such as a mouthrinse.

Sticking to a good oral hygiene routine will help you feel more confident not only about your breath, but also about the overall health of your mouth.