I Have Chronic Bad Breath: Should I Be Worried About My Oral Health?

If you’re going through a dental health issue in Redwood City, CA, it’s a good idea to see an experienced dentist. Yet some patients are not sure that they’re actually experiencing a problem that needs a professional’s attention.

Take bad breath (halitosis). Sometimes it’s hard to know if you just need to brush and floss more or if your bad breath is a key sign of a health issue.

Ultimately, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Let’s explore why you should take chronic cases of bad breath seriously.

Is Bad Breath a Symptom of a Health Issue?

Yes, bad breath may be a key indicator of a serious dental health problem or general wellness issue.

The key warning to consider is if your bad breath is chronic. Chronic bad breath means that your bad breath doesn’t go away after you brush, floss, or use mouthwash.

When to See a Dentist About Your Bad Breath

Some patients may notice other symptoms that accompany chronic bad breath, such as a toothache, swelling of the gums, or a bad taste in the mouth. If your chronic bad breath is just one of multiple issues you’re noticing, it’s a good idea to see a dentist as soon as possible.

When you visit our Redwood City dental practice, we’ll be sure to perform a comprehensive exam. We will diagnose the problem you’re experiencing and review your options for treatment.

Bad Breath and Gum Disease

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease refers to an infection of the gum tissue. This is caused by oral bacteria that naturally occurs in the mouth. Early gum disease is known as gingivitis while more advanced stages of gum inflammation are referred to as periodontitis.

Bad Breath and Dry Mouth

Also known as xerostomia, dry mouth refers to a decrease in saliva production. Without saliva, food particles and other debris cannot be removed from the mouth. Dry mouth can also affect tooth remineralization and increase the acidity of the mouth, making your teeth more susceptible to cavities and damage.

Bad Breath and Root Canal Infections

A root canal infection occurs when the naturally occurring oral bacteria infects the soft tissue inside of a tooth. This is usually caused by untreated tooth decay or serious chips and cracks in a tooth. The root canal infection causes a serious toothache and can potentially spread to other parts of a person’s mouth. This could lead to a dental abscess, which is a dangerous accumulation of pus.

Bad Breath and Systemic Diseases or Conditions

Patients may not be experiencing chronic bad breath from dental health problems. Issues with the liver, kidneys, sinuses, throat, and lungs can all lead to foul-smelling breath. In fact, chronic bad breath can be linked to diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, and even certain types of cancers.

If we are unable to find the potential cause of your chronic bad breath, we may recommend you see your physician just to be on the safe side.

Need to Speak with a Dentist? Schedule an Appointment Today!

The first step to solving your chronic bad breath is within reach. We’ve been proudly serving the South Bay for decades and look forward to helping you. To set up an appointment, contact our Redwood City dental office.