Does Bad Breath Have You Making a Hasty Retreat?

Do you feel like that fresh brushed feeling goes away by the time you walk out the door every morning? That no matter how long you gargle with mouthwash, chew gum, or avoid garlic you seem to walk around with a constant attack of dragon breath? Santa Barbara dentist Dr. Mark T. Weiser wants you to know that you’re not alone. Although it can be caused by certain foods, drinks, or smoking, most cases of chronic halitosis, a.k.a. bad breath, are caused by a gum disease called gingivitis- and literally millions of people are unaware that they suffer from some form of gingivitis.

What Causes Gingivitis?

Gingivitis can be caused by poor dental hygiene, but it doesn’t have to be. Some people will develop gingivitis even if they follow a rigorous brushing and flossing regimen. Studies have shown that up to 30% of the population is simply genetically prone to develop gum disease, and other factors, such as stress, certain medications including oral contraceptives, and diabetes can also increase your risk for gingivitis. Women are more susceptible to gum disease during certain times of life, such as puberty, menopause, and pregnancy- there’s even a form of gum disease called pregnancy gingivitis. People who clench or grind their teeth at night are also more likely to develop gum disease.

Symptoms and Treatments

Gingivitis is the term used for the initial stages of gum disease. Although considered mild, at this stage patients can experience swollen, tender, bleeding gums, and of course, bad breath. At this stage, gum disease can often be treated by simply increasing dental visits for an exam and professional teeth cleaning. You should be seeing your dentist at a minimum of once every six months, but you may consider upping that to every four months if you are having problems with gingivitis or now that you are entering into a period of increase risk, such as pregnancy.

Later stages can lead to severe gum deterioration and tooth loss. Today’s innovative mouth rejuvenation techniques can help rebuild lost gum tissue, and secure teeth to get your mouth back on track and looking good. Tooth loss is not a natural part of aging. With proper dental care, your teeth can last a lifetime. Gum disease- not cavities- is the leading cause of tooth loss today.

Many people avoid seeing a general dentist for as long as possible, spacing out there cleanings to once a year, or simply going sporadically, because they’ve had a painful experience and are not eager to experience that again. This is the worst way to go about your oral hygiene. Professional teeth cleaning clears away the plaque, bacteria, and debris that will accumulate over time, even with the most aggressive home regimes. And the longer you wait between visits, the more difficult- and painful- the procedure can become.

Many patients liken visiting a Santa Barbara dentist office to being at a spa. Many times they’re treated to aromatherapy, hot towels and heated booties, eye-masks, neck pillows, music or movies, and gentle, thorough dental care.


For more information about Santa Barbara dentist Dr. Mark Weiser please visit Santabarbaradds.com.