Bad Breath and Gingivitis

Does this sound familiar to you? My dentist and hygienist mentioned that I had irritated gums as they cleaned my teeth. This is a symptom of gingivitis.

Gingivitis can be a stepping stone to major problems in the mouth and gum line. It can lead to periodontal disease, which is a much more serious problem with the potential for actual bone loss.

Halitosis (bad breath) could be related to a gingivitis infection as both are caused by bacteria. Red, swollen and/or bleeding gums characterize gingivitis. These symptoms are most evident upon flossing and sometimes from brushing.

Bacteria cause gingivitis. And bacteria are considered to be responsible for bad breath.

Sometimes, I could even see the bloodstains that the hygienist quietly wiped away with a towel. It was embarrassing enough to know that I wasn't controlling my gingivitis problem, but to know that she was actually trying not to make a big deal out of it was troubling.

I knew my dentist was concerned because she gave me a bottle of alcohol based mouthwash to try and mentioned that she wanted to see how I looked next time. I don't like using it; there is too much alcohol and the taste is not very pleasant. Alcohol may also dry the mucous membranes in the mouth.

The Problem

Bacteria can stick to your teeth and secrete acid onto them contributing to cavity formation. They can also infect the gums, particularly around the gum line, causing gingivitis. This can manifest initially as bleeding and irritated gums.

Having a lot of uncontrolled bacteria multiplying in the mouth may also lead to bad breath, but there is a natural and normal amount of bacteria in the mouth, and you will never completely get rid of them all, nor would you want to.

Theory has it that it is actually the anaerobic bacteria that live in the tongue and throat that produce sulfur that in turn produce hard to get rid of bad breath. These anaerobes create VSCs or volatile sulfur compounds. One type is the familiar rotten egg smell. There are other odors coming from VSCs as well. These sulfur-producing bacteria may feed on certain foods, like coffee, alcohol and meats.

A gingivitis problem can offer a way for bacteria to easily enter your blood stream and that can lead to additional problems. Systemic infections could come from this. Gingivitis can be something that makes your gums bleed easily in a mild case or it can be the root of deep gum recession, leading to bone loss in the worse case scenarios. (Periodontal disease)

Loss of gum line can be discouraging. A friend of mind once described the process as, "getting long in the tooth". Sometimes, people experience this problem by brushing too hard. TIP: Using a soft bristled toothbrush with the type of motion that your hygienist recommends may help prevent eroded gum lines.

Treatment and Prevention

Had you ever heard of under-the-gum cleanings? This could be part of the protocol your dentist might invoke, should you develop periodontal disease. If you know people that have had an under-the-gum cleaning; they may tell you that it is not very pleasant.

Your dentist can deal with this problem in a variety of ways. However, prevention probably is the best option. Include good flossing and brushing habits - see your dentist for details. And you could add a non-alcohol based mouthwash alternative to your regimen.

I'm currently using a special toothbrush that uses vibration to clean the teeth. This device does a better job than a regular toothbrush in keeping my teeth clean. It does take a little while to get used to because of the vibration. It makes many, many vibrations per second. This helps to give it such wonderful cleaning abilities.

Don't feel sad if you have excellent oral health habits but you still have bad breath. This is common and many people experience this same situation. Oral health products that don't contain sodium lauryl sulfates or artificial flavors that can still kill the bacteria that cause bad breath without using harsh alcohol or tough chemicals may be helpful.

I am not a dentist. This article is for information purposes only. This article is not meant for diagnosis, treatment or prevention nor is it meant to give advice. If you have or suspect you have gingivitis, periodontal disease or any other dental problems, visit your dentist for a consultation.

Dave Snape is a health, fitness and wellness enthusiast. His website is http://tobeinformed.com

---

Treating Arthritis- Naturally

There are actually three common types of arthritis. These are... Read More

Herbs For Protection

If you have never used plant matter in magic before,... Read More

Hinoki: Natural Essences in Abundance

Living in a hectic urban landscape, do you look forward... Read More

Stammering Or Stuttering

Stammering or as it is sometimes known as stuttering is... Read More

Toxic Plastic Water Bottles

I recently received a question from one of my readers... Read More

MSM: Enhance Your Overall Beauty, Your Hair, Nails, And Skin While Reducing Allergic Reactions

Welcome to another exciting issue of "The Home Made Medicine... Read More

Hypnotherapy in the Treatment of Phantom Pain

Much of what goes on in our bodies is controlled... Read More

Aromatherapy for Common Ailments

Aromatherapy works in several ways to combat common ailments. Essential... Read More

Holistic Lifestyle

Sometimes living that wonderful and beneficial holistic life can sometimes... Read More

Make Your Own HGH - While You Sleep!

Human Growth Hormone (HGH) has long been viewed as a... Read More

Pa-Kua Feng Shui Basics

FENG SHUI BASICSFeng Shui (literally "Wind and Water" in Chinese),... Read More

Will This Years Flu Paralyze The US And Canada?

According to the Associated Press on August 26th, the US... Read More

Herbal Products

HERBAL PRODUCTS are comprised of herbal care remedies, such as... Read More

Herbs ? Natures Potent Remedies

Use of herbs for health and as a medicine has... Read More

Muget Des Bois: A Healing Victory

Known by its other name as Lily of the Valley... Read More

Getting Rid Of Gallstones Naturally

The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ that sits on... Read More

I Want To Be Able To Function and Not Be Stopped by My Pain

Why Your Subconscious May Be Able To Give You a... Read More

Improve Your Eating Habits To Save Money On Prescriptions!

Do you like the arthritis pain relief you get from... Read More

Precious Gems of Wisdom

The New Age should also be called The Stone Age,... Read More

Why Your Search for Pain Relief Needs a Strategy

If you're like most of us who have known chronic... Read More

Herbs and Essential Oils ? Powerful Medicine

We can find many beneficial uses for natural herbs and... Read More

The Healing Power of Water Gardens

If you experienced a day filled with running from one... Read More

About Candida, Its Symptoms & Treatment

Candida is a fungal infection affecting the moist external area... Read More

Pain Relief: Is There an Alternative?

Do you rely on Vioxx, Celebrex or Aleve (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory... Read More

The Major Risk Factors of Heart Disease

You should always keep in mind that whatever actions you... Read More

Understanding Holistic Living

Holistic living is simply living your life with all aspects... Read More

How To Use Senna For Constipation Relief

It is known that Egyptians used senna tea to relieve... Read More

Wild Medicine and Tansy Cakes

It started with the Tansy cakes. I had to ask... Read More

Natural Remedies for Eliminating Warts Quickly & Safely!

Warts are a type of infection caused by virus called... Read More

Isnt It Time For WHOLISTIC Medicine?

I posted a story the other day on one of... Read More

Types of Hair Loss Treatment Currently Available

The hair loss treatments outlined here cannot provide definitive cures... Read More

Inflammatory Arthritis: Alternative Treatments

There are two main types of arthritis: inflammatory arthritis and... Read More

Tobacco Hypnosis: Cigarettes Are My Friend

Practicing hypnotherapists hear many peculiar statements from smokers who ask... Read More