Periodontitis is an advanced tooth disease. It is usually caused by poor oral hygiene. Periodontitis refers to the group of inflammatory diseases affecting the tissues that surround and support the teeth. When left untreated, Periodontitis can result in the loss of the bone around teeth which may lead to loosening and eventual loss of teeth.

How does Periodontitis come about?

When we eat, bits of food get lodged between our teeth, at the gum line, and in other little nooks and crannies in our mouths. This food is an excellent bait for bacteria and germs. Without any proper oral care, a sticky coating called 'plaque' will soon form on our teeth at the gum line and below the gum line. In a matter of just 24 hours, this plaque will harden and turn into tartar.

When that happens, it will be quite impossible for us to remove the tartar build up through normal home oral care. The only person who can remove tartar effectively is your dentist. This build up of bacterial plaque and tartar is known as Gingivitis. Gingivitis will cause teeth to become more sensitive. Common symptom of Gingivitis include easily irritated gums that bleed easily when brushing.

If Gingivitis is left untreated, it will turn into Periodontitis. With this disease, it is normal for someone to lose their teeth. The gums recede from the teeth, causing 'pockets.' These pockets can contain other bits of food and bacteria. This is the reason that people develop bad breath from Periodontitis. The decaying food that is hiding in the pockets around and below the gum line cause bacteria to form, which in turn causes bad breath.

How do treat Periodontitis?

The number one way to cure bad breath from periodontitis is to get the disease taken care of. There are several ways to handle bad breath that is related to this disease as well. You should know that prevention is the best method. If you notice traces of blood while you are brushing your teeth, sensitive gums, or bleeding gums, you may have Gingivitis. Gingivitis is easily curable before it turns into Periodontitis. Brushing daily, flossing, and using mouth wash is a great way to prevent Periodontitis.

If you are already experiencing bad breath from Periodontitis, there are some things that you can do. Make sure that you brush your teeth after every meal and before you go to bed. This will keep the bacteria from taking complete control of your mouth. You also want to floss every single day. Brushing our teeth cannot remove all of the particles of food and bacteria from between our teeth like flossing can. Also, use a good mouth wash that is designed to prevent or help Gingivitis.

It is important to speak with your dentist if you think you may have Periodontits. There are ways that he can help you treat it, and speaking with him will help you both determine the best method for treatment. If you do not treat Periodontitis, there is a good chance that you will lose your teeth. Another thing you can do for bad breath is to invest in a tongue scraper. By cleaning bacteria from the back of the tongue, you can greatly reduce bad breath.