Brushing your teeth, chewing on sugar-free
gum, or taking a breath mint can usually fix bad breath. But when bad breath,
or halitosis, is persistent, it could signal other problems. Visit the office
of an experienced Independence MO
dentist. There, they’ll determine whether the cause is periodontitis, a
disease affecting the gums and bone that support the teeth. The best dentist Blue Springs has
available will meticulously determine the source of the bad breath.
Poor brushing and flossing can cause bad
breath. Inefficient dental hygiene at home can irritate the gums, making them
pull away from the teeth to form pockets between the teeth and gums. These
pockets harbor bacteria that will turn breath foul, and periodontal disease can
progress.
Make sure to have your teeth regularly
cleaned by an experienced hygienist, who can evaluate your teeth and gums. They
can spot gum disease and tooth decay early so that your dentist can readily
treat it. When it is treated, the bad breath will likely disappear.
However, if you let it go, periodontal
disease can advance into bacterial infections in the gums and the supporting
structures of the teeth. The first stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis,
where gums appear red and puffy. They bleed easily when the teeth are flossed
or brushed. This stage can be easily treated and reversed. More advanced stages
of periodontal disease are characterized by the destruction of the bone
supporting the teeth that can cause teeth to fall out. If periodontal disease
gets beyond the stage of gingivitis, it can be managed, but it cannot be
reversed.
In particular, pregnant women should
schedule a routine dental check-up. Persistent bad breath, gum disease, and
dental pain during or shortly after pregnancy is not normal. Three events that
happen during pregnancy can cause dental disease. First of all, hormonal
changes can make the mouth more susceptible to gum disease. Secondly, the
sugars and acids that are eaten frequently throughout the day can affect the
teeth and gums adversely. And finally, cravings for junk foods can make teeth
and gums prone to disease. To prevent periodontal disease during pregnancy, a
dental evaluation should be scheduled, along with regular preventative dental care.
Because persistent bad breath can be the
symptom of periodontal disease, have it checked by your experienced Independence MO dentist. Early
detection and measurement of the pockets (crevices between the teeth and the
gums) can prevent damage and loss of teeth. Visit Blue Springs Dental Arts for
the best dentist Blue Springs has available for healthy gums and teeth. They
are online at TheBlueSpringsDentist.com.