Gum Disease & Bad Breath
Gum Disease & Bad Breath
Periodontal Treatment (Gum Care)
Though millions of individuals are affected by periodontal (gum) disease, many people are unaware of the significant health risks the condition can cause when not properly treated. Gum irritation may be just the beginning. As gum disease worsens, your risk for more serious conditions such as pneumonia, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease also increases. With the comprehensive range of gum disease treatments offered by our Calgary dentists, you can improve the wellness and appearance of your gums while minimizing the potential for related health conditions to develop.
Causes of Gum Disease
While the development of gum disease can not always be pinned down to a specific cause, there are a variety of factors that can increase your risk for developing this common condition. Poor dental hygiene and a lack of proper routine dental care which can allow harmful plaque and bacteria to build up around the gum line are often thought to be leading causes of gum disease. However, additional risk factors may include:
- Tobacco use
- Poor Nutrition
- Hormonal changes
- Stress
- Clenching or grinding the teeth
- Diabetes
- Illnesses that negatively affect the immune system
- Certain prescription medications
By practicing good oral hygiene, visiting Smile 32 Dentistry for routine oral exams and teeth cleanings, and minimizing these additional risk factors, you can help decrease your chance of developing gum disease.
Halitosis
Halitosis is an oral health problem where the main symptom is bad smelling breath. In most cases, finding the cause of the bad breath is the first step toward treating this preventable condition.
What are the symptoms of halitosis?
The main symptom of halitosis is a bad odor from the mouth that is considered beyond a socially acceptable level. The odor can be worse in the morning or after smoking, drinking coffee, or eating certain foods such as garlic.
How is halitosis diagnosed?
Our Calgary dentists often diagnose halitosis. The diagnosis is based on the person’s history and mouth odor during the dental exam. The entire mouth is checked to see if a cause can be found, such as an infection If our Calgary dentist can’t find the cause, he or she will refer you to an appropriate specialist.
What is the Treatment for Halitosis?
Treatment for halitosis depends mainly on the cause of the condition, including:
There are also several tips to help you get a fresher breath and a healthier smile:
- Poor oral health care – If the bad breath is due to improper oral healthcare, in most cases our dentists in Calgary will treat the cause of the problem.
- Gum disease – If the cause is an underlying gum disease, the condition may be treated by our dentists at Smile 32 Dentistry. Or you may be referred to an oral specialist in most cases, a periodontist. A periodontal cleaning often helps to remove the bacteria and tartar or plaque that has built up and is causing inflammation at the gumline.
- Extensive plaque buildup – Our Calgary dentist or periodontist may recommend an antimicrobial mouth rinse. Also, you may be told to brush your tongue gently each time you brush your teeth to help remove odor-causing bacteria.
- Health condition – Diagnosis and treatment of an existing health condition may get rid of the bad breath.
To learn more about our halitosis treatment in Calgary, please contact Smile 32 Dentistry today. One of our friendly and knowledgeable staff will answer any questions you may have or assist you with scheduling an appointment.
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Our office aims to provide the most comfortable care possible for our patients. If you have any questions about check-ups or scheduling appointments, ask our staff. They will be happy to help.