How Does a Thyroid Disease Affect Oral Health?

Thyroid conditions make it difficult for the body to produce and regulate a normal amount of very important hormones. This causes a ripple effect that may throw major organs and body systems out of sync. In terms of oral health, the side effects of a thyroid condition may cause serious changes in both the function and health of the tongue, teeth, and gums.

Specifically, thyroid disorders may cause the following conditions (i):

1. Elevated risk of gum disease, heart disease, and stroke.
In general, thyroid conditions may inhibit the body’s ability to heal wounds. This is particularly bad when it comes to oral health, because it makes it easy for the gums to fall into disrepair. Weak or damaged gums are more susceptible to infection than strong and healthy ones, elevating the risk for gum disease among individuals who have a thyroid condition. Elevated risk of gum disease is just the beginning of the story, however.

Individuals with gum disease are also at risk for heart disease and stroke, explains the American Academy of Periodontology (ii). Individuals with gum disease may have a more difficult time warding off oral bacteria compared to individuals with healthy gums. Researchers believe that this makes it easier for oral bacteria to pass through the gums and into the bloodstream. From there, the bacteria attach to fatty plaques and contributes to clot formation.  Additional research has shown that stroke victims are more likely to have an oral infection compared to a control group of individuals who had not suffered from a stroke.

2. Dry mouth (Xerostomia), cavities, and dental caries.
As the name implies, dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands stop producing a normal amount of saliva. Normally, saliva helps to prevent cavities in two big ways. First, it helps to dissolve the foods we eat and prevents stickier food particles, like starches, from clinging to tooth enamel. Second, saliva helps to restore the structural strength of tooth enamel by delivering a continual source of minerals to each tooth in the mouth.

When saliva production is reduced, it becomes easier for food particles to cling to the surfaces of the teeth. Over time, this leads to the cultivation of oral bacteria and tooth decay. Less saliva also means that fewer minerals are delivered to the teeth, making it easier for cavities and dental caries to form in the enamel of each tooth.

3. Enlarged / swollen tongue (Macroglossia).
Thyroid disorders may cause an abnormal swelling of the tongue, which in turn makes it difficult to speak, eat, swallow, and sleep. Of particular concern is the risk this condition poses to the sleep cycle. Individuals with this condition may find it difficult to fall asleep, or they may wake abruptly as the tongue restricts the ability of the body to breath naturally during the night. This condition may contribute to sleep deprivation, a serious sleep disorder that is linked to a number of other conditions like mental fatigue and the early development of Alzheimer’s disease (iii).

4. Distorted sense of taste (Dysgeusia).
A thyroid disorder may also cause the sense of taste to become slowly or abruptly distorted. While non-life threatening, a distorted sense of taste can severely reduce quality of life by decreasing one’s sensitivity to unique flavors or eliminating the sense of taste altogether.

Is There Fluoride in Your Produce?

When thinking about fluoride exposure and its sources, most people think about fluoride in the water supply. But many do not realize that fluoride is also present in the food supply since produce is sprayed with pesticides that contain fluoride.

Fluoride is being added to foods through the use of pesticides that contain fluoride. The most common fluoridated pesticide in the United States is cryolite –a white or colorless mineral made up of fluoride, sodium and aluminum in crystal form. The Environmental Protection Agency currently allows up to 7 parts per million of fluoride on more than 30 fruits and vegetables that are treated with cryolite. They are: apricots, beets, blackberries, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, citrus fruits, collards, cranberries, cucumbers, eggplants, grapes, kale, lettuce, melons, nectarines, peaches, peppers, plums, pumpkins, radishes, raspberries, squash, strawberries, tomatoes and turnip.

One food in particular, grapes, has long been grown using cryolite, using the trade name Kryocide. It is used to fight against leaf-eating pests. Cryolite is applied as dusts, granulars or powders and is applied by ground or aerial spray. It is mostly used on California grapes, potatoes and citrus. Despite cryolites’ use over the past 50 years, insects have not built up a resistance to it, so it is a fundamental pesticide for many growers.

Because cryolite is easily absorbed into the crops that it is sprayed on, people who eat this produce are ingesting an unknown amount of fluoride. And since wine is made from grapes, it is yet another hidden source of fluoride exposure. According to NaturalNews.com, “Cryolite contains aluminofluoride ions that shed fluoride ions, which then pass through the blood-brain barrier and contaminate brain tissue.”

Two Russian studies, from 1977 and 1969 respectively, show evidence to support that workers exposed to fluoride-contaminated compounds experienced negative affects to their reproductive function. Men working in the cryolite industry for 10 to 25 years and who also had skeletal fluorosis – a bone disease caused by excessive consumption of fluoride —demonstrated a decrease in circulating testosterone.  Women whose jobs heavily exposed them to superphosphates, used mainly as a fertilizer, experienced an increase in menstrual irregularities and genital irritation, as compared to non-exposed women.

It may come as a surprise that fluoride is even present in some organic produce. The National Organic Standards (NOS) allow the use of sodium fluoride in organic agriculture. Even though the NOS states that organic produce growers shall not use “natural poisons such as arsenic or lead salts that have long-term effects and persist in the environment” it still allows the use of fluoride, which is non-degradable and accumulates in humans, soil, plants and wildlife.

One research study found that almost all food contains some amount of fluoride since “plants take it up from the soil and from the air. From the soil, fluoride is transmitted through fine hair rootlets into the stems, and some reaches the leaves.”
Another study that analyzed the typical North American diet found that it dishes out about 1.8 milligrams of fluoride each day, which is almost twice the amount of fluoride delivered from drinking one liter of fluoridated water. When we go the extra mile to seek out organic foods in order to avoid pesticides, we don’t expect to get an extra dose of fluoride.

How Does Fluoride Affect the Pineal Gland?

For much of the 1900s, very little research was conducted to study the effect of fluoride accumulation on brain health. By the 1950s, the subject started to garner attention among a number of scientists, researchers, and dental health professionals. In 1990, a major milestone was reached when Dr. Jennifer Luke asked the question: How does the accumulation of fluoride affect the hard and soft tissues of the body?

Dr. Luke narrowed her study to the effect of fluoride on the Pineal gland, a small organ located in the center of the brain. Specifically, she focused on how fluoride accumulation affects the ability of the Pineal gland to secrete melatonin, a very important chemical that helps to regulate sleeping patterns as well as the onset of puberty.

Is There Fluoride in Your Wine?

Many U.S. wines contain fluoride levels that are too high to allow them to be exported to Europe and other countries that have lower fluoride limits than the United States. These wines often contain as much as six parts per million of fluoride, as compared to the Environmental Protection Agency’s maximum contaminant level for fluoride of four parts per million.

Because fluoride is continuously used on crops and does not biodegrade, it builds up in the soil and is absorbed into plants’ roots, stems, leaves and the fruit. This has most notably been observed in grapes, which have long been grown using cryolite under the trade name Kryocide. It is used to fight against leaf-eating pests. Despite cryolites’ use over the past 50 years, insects have not built up a resistance to it, so it is a fundamental pesticide for many growers.

The chemical company that produces Kryocide, Elf Atochem North America, Inc., released an advisory to U.S. grape growers telling them not to use too much cryolite when growing grapes that were intended for export since they would not meet foreign safety standards. But the company also told these growers to keep using high amounts of cryolite on the grapes grown for domestic use since the U.S. standards for fluoride content are less strict.

A 5-year study conducted on California vineyards in the San Joaquin Valley by researchers at California State University in Fresno found that “multiple applications of cryolite during the growing season significantly increase fluoride in wines.” In grapes grown using cryolite, they found fluoride levels to be between 3 to 6 parts per million and 6 to 9 parts per million, depending on the type of wine. Wines made with grapes grown without the use of cryolite have fluoride ranges from 0.1 to 1.6 parts per million. One glass of wine that has 6 parts per million of fluoride contains more fluoride than one liter of optimally fluoridated water.

During the 1990s, U.S. wines that were exported to Europe were allowed to have up to 3 parts per million of fluoride. This level has since been lowered to 1 part per million. Most European countries do not fluoridate their water, so their safety standards only allow for a much lower limit of fluoride.

How to prevent bleeding gums

Oral Health

By maintaining general oral health, gum bleeding can be minimized. Some tips include:

• Annual oral exams and teeth cleaning by a certified dentist.
• Establishing a habit of correct flossing and brushing, at least twice a day
• Flossing and properly brushing after each meal.
• Drinking water after meals.
• Stop smoking and decrease or eliminate usage of any tobacco products.

Food

Certain diets and food intake may also help minimize the chances of bleeding gums:

• Vitamin C: cures scurvy, which can cause abnormal gum bleeding. Excellent sources include citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits.
• Vitamin K: has coagulation properties and can help ward off gum bleeding. Excellent sources include bananas, spinach, and Swiss chard.
• Water: drinking after meals can help wash food remnants from the teeth and gum so bacteria-causing plaque is less likely to form. It is important to note that juices and sodas may not have the same effect, as they contain sugars that can detriment oral health.
• Fibrous fruits and vegetables: due to the high fiber content, these food products give an "exfoliation" effect that moves debris from teeth and gum surfaces similar to the effects of a toothbrush. Examples of such foods include strawberries, apples, and celery. It is important to note, however, that fibrous fruits and vegetables cannot replace teeth brushing and flossing.

Bleeding gums can indicate more than just a problem with your oral hygiene habits. If left unchecked, poor dental health can lead to serious complications with your health, especially heart problems.

What Do Bleeding Gums Mean And How To Fix It

Abnormal bleeding from your gums may indicate a wide range of possible health risks and illnesses. While bleeding gums aren't always an indication for a possible health risk, such as gum bleeding from ill-fitting dentures, it is still important to see a dentist so he or she can run the proper tests and rule out other health conditions that can become serious if left undiagnosed.

Possible Health Risks

The most common indicator of bleeding gums is plaque buildup along the gum line, usually due to improper oral care. Two common forms of gum disease that are indicated by bleeding gums are:

• Gingivitis: caused by excessive plaque buildup, other symptoms may include swollen, tender gums. If left untreated, gingivitis will turn into periodontitis, a destructive form of gum disease.
• Periodontitis: often accompanied by other symptoms, such as bad breath and gum recession. If left untreated, the teeth may loosen and fall out.

Since periodontitis is inflammatory in nature, studies have also shown that serious cases may increase the risks of other health conditions, such as:

• Heart attack: fatal disease characterized as the death of heart cells due to interrupted blood flow to the heart.
• Stroke: caused by plaques that block off blood flow to the brain, can be debilitating and life threatening.
• Atherosclerosis: known as the hardening of the arteries, can be the precursor to heart attacks and strokes.
• Erectile dysfunction: inability to maintain an erection for sexual intercourse.

It is also important to note that bleeding gums can indicate other non-oral related health issues, such as:

• Diabetes: this is a metabolic disease that indicates problems in blood sugar levels and insulin production/absorption. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health problems.
• Leukemia: a form of cancer in the blood or bone marrow that is signified by a lack of clotting agents. Thus, bleeding gums may indicate its presence.
• Malnutrition: gum bleeding can indicate an insufficient intake of nutrients, and can be corrected by implementing a healthy diet.
• Vitamin C deficiency: also known as scurvy, symptoms include lethargy, shortness of breath and bone pain.
• Vitamin K deficiency: since vitamin K is important in blood coagulation, too little of this vitamin may lead to abnormal gum bleeding.

Bonding

Dental bonding is used for a couple of different purposes including structural and cosmetic work. With bonding, you can fix your broken teeth, fill the gaps between your teeth and even reshape and recolor them, all to achieve a perfect smile which is becoming ever more popular these days.

Bonding is basically a composite resin filling that is placed both on the back teeth and the front teeth. These composites will restore decaying teeth and will also improve the cosmetic look and the color of your teeth. To put it in a nutshell, bonding is more or less the same as the sculptors clay that the dentist will use to fix most of the aesthetic issues with your teeth.

Normally these composites have a life of about seven to ten years if they have been put properly and if proper care has been taken of them. The way bonding is applied is that the dentist will apply an etching solution to your teeth that will create very small crevices in the tooth’s enamel structure. Since the surface of the tooth will become slightly rough, so it enables the durable resin to bond materials with your teeth. This resin is placed on your teeth and with the usage of high intensity light these are cured quickly within a couple of minutes. In the end the bonded material is polished and sculpted to fit your tooth properly. This resin can come in many colors but the dentist will mostly use the one that matches the closest with your balance teeth.

Basically bonding can be done to cover small cavities and fillings and at the same time they can be used to repair cracked or chipped teeth. They are extremely versitile in their applications, and depending on your need, they can be used in many ways. A typical candidate for this procedure will have chipped or cracked teeth or even gap between their teeth. Since the bonding material is porous so they will turn yellow if you smoke. 
Before choosing bonding, it is recommended to consult your dentist about the proper application that will suit your teeth.

Need to Know
Bonding is a process used to restore the appearance of cracked or decaying teeth.  The procedure lasts up to ten years, but requires proper care of the teeth.  Due to the porous material used in bonding, it may not be recommended for smokers.

New Dental Procedures

Like all the other industries these days, the field of dentistry is also constantly evolving and newer and newer procedures and techniques are introduced expanding the overall horizon of this field.

One of the hottest new procedures these days that is gaining a lot of popularity is smile makeovers. If you have misshapen teeth that you always try to hide when smiling, then you have a cure and a treatment out there now. Nowadays cosmetic dentists across the country are changing smiles with cosmetic dental treatments. Porcelain veneers have also gained a lot of popularity over the years. There are a lot of different types of porcelains in the market but the veneer that is now becoming very common is Lumineers by Cerinate. These can be applied to the patient without modifying the tooth structure because they can be made as thin as contact lens. The advantage with this procedure is that it is easily reversible because the tooth structures have not been modified. The one issue with these veneers which has come up is that in most cases people with very straight teeth normally qualify to get these. If the teeth are not very straight then the tooth structure might have to be removed to get a good and a natural fit. Although since Lumineers are still quite new in the market so only time will tell how well they perform over the years but for now they sure are a very quick remedy for all the customer that might be unhappy with their smiles.

This does not really mean that these are any better that traditional porcelain veneers because from an aesthetic point the traditional ones have always given much better results.

Another new dental procedure is again aesthetic related and it is Zoom II whitening system. It is much more effective than its previous system, Zoom. Zoom II is now offered by a lot of dentists across the country as part of the professional whitening system. Zoom II is considered to be less sensitive and at the same time give much quicker results.

Need to Know
Take advantage of the evolving technology offered today and use the newest procedures and treatments that are becoming very popular such as Porcelain Veneers, Lumineers, Zoom II whitening system. These treatments can be done at most dentist offices and dental specialists. 

Dental Hygiene Care

Going to a dentist, even for a routine cleaning, isn’t something we look forward too. Most of us associate dental visits with pain, or at least a lecture from the dental hygienist on regular flossing. But regular flossing, good dental care and regular checkups will reduce the need for more painful dental visits.

One of the first steps to good dental hygiene is to choose the appropriate toothpaste for your situation. There are toothpastes developed to make kids brush longer and others to help those with sensitive teeth. Most toothpaste on the market has fluoride and calcium to help clean and strengthen your teeth.

A good tooth brush is another essential part of good dental health. You should purchase a brush that fits your mouth and has the appropriate bristle firmness for your gums. But it is also important that you change your brush regularly. Dentist recommend changing your brush every other month. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, once when you get up and then before going to bed at night.

Using a good mouthwash is also important to your dental care. You should rinse after you brush and not eat anything for thirty minutes after that. This will allow the mouthwash to kill any germs or bacteria in your mouth. Using mouthwash before going to bed can also help reduce “morning breath” and allow you to wake with your mouth feeling and smelling fresher.

The dental hygienist is right. We should floss after every meal to help remove any food particles stuck between the teeth. Infection and gum disease can result from poor flossing habits, which is a shame because flossing is an inexpensive and easy step to good dental health.

Seeing your dentist on regular basis is also an essential part of good dental hygiene. Not only will your dentist clean your teeth for you but they will also examine your teeth and identify any infection that might be present. Prevention is always better than cure so see your dentist at least once every six months for a routine checkup.

Need to Know
Replacing your toothbrush every two months, using a good toothpaste, daily dental flossing, daily fluoride mouth wash, and visiting the dentist twice a year are the best steps for a dental hygiene care. 

Contouring

A lot of people are becoming increasingly conscious about their looks these days. You can have a crooked smile, chipped tooth, gap between your teeth or for that matter any other minor issue with your teeth. All of these will stand out when you smile or look at yourself in the mirror. The good thing is that there are also very easy remedies for most of these issues.

The main purpose of tooth contouring is to reshape and change the size of the teeth that are slightly damaged or are maybe not aligned with the other teeth. It is a cosmetic procedure but it also has a lot of oral health benefits also. With teeth properly aligned, they not only makes for a better smile, but theyalso becomes easier to clean, reducing the risk of infections. The dentist will always decide whether you are the right candidate for the contouring process by examining your teeth and possibly taking xrays. Normally the dentist will contour and reshape your teeth in a single visit. By using a polishing instrument, the dentist will remove the surface enamel of the tooth that needs repairing and contour them.This will be followed by polishing of all the surrounding teeth thereby resulting in an even look. The problematic tooth is also polished and reshaped to give it a better look. The edges of the fixed and newly created tooth are also polished and made smooth.

After the procedure the patient might feel mild sensitivity to hot and cold but this is normally gone within a day or so. With tooth contouring, your teeth will get a permanent new look and make you smile much better than before. Ideally it is a suitable procedure for people who might have very minor imperfections in their teeth like, chipped teeth, very little unevenness or slight overlaps. However if the problem is deeper than the ones that can be fixed with contouring, the dentist will then recommend an alternate treatment plan. Depending on the doctor and your need, contouring might also be combined with procedures like bleaching, crowns or veneers to get the best results.

Need to Know
Among cosmetic dentistry treatments contouring is best known for reshaping and correct chipped teeth for a better smile.  Your dentist can examine your teeth to determine if this will be an effective treatment for you.

Dental Care Products

The market today is flooded with dental care products. You can go to any grocery store, supermarket or drug store and you will find an entire section devoted to different dental care products.

 Toothpaste tops the list of all dental care products. Of course, we know that dentist recommend brushing our teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and again before bed at night. Many different types of toothpastes are available and the ones which are the most popular are fluoride based. Fluoride is supposed to not only make your teeth stronger but also help protect against infection. There are also various types of toothpastes targeted for children, smokers, and others. If you have sensitive teeth, you can find a variety of toothpastes to help combat the problem. Your dentist will probably recommend that you brush with one of these after every meal.

Dental floss is another very important dental care product. All dentists recommend that we use dental floss after each meal to remove any food residue stuck between the teeth. Not doing so can result infection and tooth decay over time. But these days, reluctant flossers can find various products to make flossing easier, including floss threaders which can be used for flossing under dental appliances and single use floss picks .

Today there is an overabundance of tooth whitening products available on the market, from toothpastes to gels to rinses. Whiter teeth suggest youth and health so teeth-whitening products are extremely popular. Most will work to whiten the teeth to some degree, but overuse of these products can give the teeth an unnatural appearance.

Many different types of tooth brushes are also available in the market. Each one of these is designed differently with brush heads of different strengths. They will target your gums, space between your teeth or anything else depending on the type of brush you buy. There are even toothbrushes with timers to help teach children the proper way to brush.

But all these products won’t work unless we use them. Regular brushing and flossing are part of good dental hygiene.

Need to Know
Ask your doctor about choosing the right oral care products for your needs. You might need an extra soft brush, toothpaste for sensitive teeth or other products to make your dental care routine complete. And remember to floss daily. It's important for your overall health.

Cavities/Tooth Decay Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff The signs and symptoms of cavities and tooth decay vary depending on their extent and location. When a cavity is just beginning, you may not have any symptoms at all. But your dentist may be able to see that decay is starting and recommend steps to keep it from getting worse.
As the decay gets larger, it may cause such signs and symptoms as:

• Toothache
• Tooth sensitivity
• Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold
• Visible holes or pits in your teeth
• Pain when you bite down
• Pus around a tooth, especially when you press on your gums

When to see a dentist
You may not be aware that a cavity is forming, so visiting your dentist regularly is your best protection against cavities and tooth decay. If you experience toothache or mouth pain — common telltale signs of cavities — see your dentist as soon as possible.
If a cavity is treated before it starts causing pain, you probably won't need extensive treatment. That's why it's important to have regular dental checkups and cleanings even when your mouth feels fine. By the time you notice symptoms, the damage is getting worse.

Cavities/tooth decay

By Mayo Clinic staff

Types of cavities

Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, not cleaning your teeth well, frequent snacking and sipping sugary drinks.
Cavities and tooth decay are among the world's most common health problems. They're especially common in children, teenagers and older adults. But anyone who has teeth can get cavities, including infants.
If cavities aren't treated, they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth. They can lead to severe toothache, infection and tooth loss. Regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits go a long way toward preventing cavities and tooth decay.

Bad Breath Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

Halitosis

Most bad breath originates in your mouth. The causes of bad breath are numerous. They include:

• Food. The breakdown of food particles in and around your teeth can cause a foul odor. Eating foods containing certain oils is another source of bad breath. Onions and garlic are the best-known examples, but other vegetables and spices also can cause bad breath. After these foods are digested and the pungent oils are absorbed into your bloodstream, they're carried to your lungs and are given off in your breath until the foods are eliminated from your body.
• Dental problems. Poor dental hygiene and periodontal disease can be a source of bad breath. If you don't brush and floss daily, food particles remain in your mouth, collecting bacteria that can emit chemicals, such as hydrogen sulfide — the same compound that gives rotten eggs their characteristic smell. A colorless, sticky film of bacteria (plaque) forms on your teeth and if not brushed away, plaque can irritate your gums (gingivitis) and cause tooth decay. Eventually, plaque-filled pockets can form between your teeth and gums (periodontitis) worsening this problem — and your breath. The microscopic uneven surface of the tongue also can trap bacteria that produce odors. And dentures that aren't cleaned regularly or don't fit properly can harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles.
• Dry mouth. Saliva helps cleanse your mouth, removing particles that may cause bad odors. A condition called dry mouth (xerostomia) can contribute to bad breath because production of saliva is decreased. Dry mouth naturally occurs during sleep, leading to morning breath. Dry mouth is even more of a problem if you sleep with your mouth open. Some medications can lead to a chronic dry mouth, as can a problem with your salivary glands.
• Diseases. In about 10 percent of bad breath cases, the bad odors do not come from the mouth (extra-oral halitosis). For example, illnesses, such as some cancers and metabolic disorders, can cause a distinctive breath odor as a result of chemicals they produce. Diabetes and kidney or liver failure can lead to a fishy smell. Uncontrolled diabetes can also cause a fruity breath odor from chemicals called ketones. And chronic reflux of stomach acids (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD) has been associated with bad breath. In addition, some medications — such as those used to treat high blood pressure, psychiatric conditions, or urinary problems — can indirectly produce bad breath by contributing to dry mouth. Other medications may be broken down in the body to release chemicals that can be carried on your breath.
• Mouth, nose and throat conditions. Another source of bad breath is the nasal passages. For example, bad breath is associated with sinus infections because nasal discharge that drips from your sinuses into the back of your throat (postnasal drip) can cause mouth odor. Sometimes bad breath can be traced to upper and lower respiratory infections, or ulcers in the respiratory system. And malformations of the oral-nasal cavity, such as cleft palate, can lead to bad breath because they provide ideal environments for bacteria to multiply without being disturbed. Bad breath can occasionally stem from small stones that form in the tonsils. These stones can be covered with bacteria that produce odorous chemicals. Bad breath in young children is often traced to a foreign body, such as a toy or piece of food, lodged in a nostril.
• Tobacco products. Smoking dries out your mouth and causes its own unpleasant mouth odor. Tobacco users are also more likely to have periodontal disease, an additional source of bad breath.

Bad Breath Symptoms

Bad breath odors vary depending on the source or the underlying cause of the bad breath. Because it's difficult to rate your own breath, many people worry excessively about their breath even though they have little or no mouth odor. Others have bad breath and don't know it. Because it's difficult to assess how your own breath smells, ask a close friend or relative to confirm your bad-breath questions.
 
When to see a doctor

If you've been told you have bad breath or are aware that you do, review your oral hygiene habits. Try making lifestyle changes, such as brushing your teeth and tongue after eating, using dental floss, and drinking plenty of water.

If your bad breath persists after making such changes, see your dentist. If your dentist suspects a more serious condition is causing your bad breath, he or she may refer you to a doctor to find the cause of the odor.

Bad breath

By Mayo Clinic staff

Halitosis

Bad breath (halitosis) can be embarrassing and may cause anxiety. It's no wonder store shelves are overflowing with gum, mints, mouthwashes and other products designed to combat this condition. But many of these products are mere temporary measures.

Certain foods, health conditions and habits are among the causes of bad breath. In many cases, you can improve bad breath with proper dental hygiene. If simple self-care techniques don't solve the problem, you may want to see your dentist or doctor to be sure a more serious condition isn't causing your bad breath.

Gingivitis Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff Untreated gingivitis can progress to gum disease that spreads to underlying tissue and bone (periodontitis), a much more serious condition that can lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis and poor oral health in general may also affect your overall health in ways that aren't completely understood. Studies link periodontitis to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke or lung disease. And women with periodontitis may be more likely to give birth to premature babies or babies with low birth weight than are women with healthy gums. Although more research is needed, these studies highlight the importance of taking good care of your teeth and gums.

Gingivitis Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff Gingivitis is very common, and anyone can develop it. Many people first experience gum problems during puberty and then in varying degrees throughout life.
Factors that can increase your risk of gingivitis include:

• Poor oral health habits
• Tobacco use
• Diabetes
• Older age
• Decreased immunity as a result of leukemia, HIV/AIDS or other conditions
• Certain medications
• Certain viral and fungal infections
• Dry mouth
• Hormonal changes, such as those related to pregnancy, your menstrual cycle or use of oral contraceptives
• Poor nutrition
• Substance abuse
• Ill-fitting dental restorations

Gingivitis Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene that encourages plaque to form. Plaque is an invisible, sticky film composed mainly of bacteria. Plaque forms on your teeth when starches and sugars in food interact with bacteria normally found in your mouth. Brushing and flossing your teeth each day removes plaque. Plaque requires daily removal because it re-forms quickly, usually within 24 hours.
Plaque that stays on your teeth longer than two or three days can harden under your gumline into tartar (calculus). Tartar makes plaque more difficult to remove and creates a protective shield for bacteria. You usually can't get rid of tartar by brushing and flossing — you need a professional dental cleaning to remove it.
The longer that plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate the gingiva, the part of your gum around the base of your teeth. In time, your gums become swollen and bleed easily.

Gingivitis Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

	Healthy tooth
	Gingivitis

Healthy gums are firm and pale pink. If your gums are puffy, dusky red and bleed easily, you may have gingivitis. Because gingivitis is seldom painful, you can have gingivitis without even knowing it. Signs and symptoms of gingivitis may include:

• Swollen gums
• Soft, puffy gums
• Receding gums
• Occasionally, tender gums
• Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss, sometimes seen as redness or pinkness on your brush or floss
• A change in the color of your gums from a healthy pink to dusky red
• Bad breath

When to see a dentist
Most dentists recommend regular checkups to identify gingivitis, cavities (caries) and other dental conditions before they cause troubling symptoms and lead to more-serious problems. Also schedule an appointment with your dentist if you notice any signs and symptoms of gingivitis. The sooner you seek care, the better your chances of reversing damage from gingivitis and preventing its progression to more-serious conditions.