Bad breath can be a problem that is hard to hide when you are around other people. You are not alone, though, because about 50 million other people in this country have a problem with it. While you might need to constantly be popping breath mints to cover it, there is a more permanent solution that will give you fresh breath. Most of the time, the problem is caused by gum disease.
You can tell you have gum disease when you see bleeding gums and red or inflamed gums. It is caused by the bacteria that are in your mouth. When it eats sugar or carbs, it turns it into an acid. This is what causes cavities and gum disease. As the bacteria gets into your gums, the acid triggers an immune reaction. At the same time, the bacteria will also produce some sulfur compounds that make the bad breath.
When the bacteria multiply, it is often because of a lack of the proper care of your teeth. In the early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, you can usually get rid of it by brushing twice a day and flossing.
If you have additional symptoms, it reveals that your gum disease has progressed to become periodontitis. You might see receding gums, spaces developing between your teeth, pus at the gum line, pockets developing on your gums, and your teeth could be becoming loose. Eventually, they will even fall out.
In periodontitis, the bacteria gets below the gum line and it cannot be removed with a toothbrush and floss. A periodontist will need to remove it for you, along with the hardened plaque on your teeth (tartar). Once it has been removed, your bad breath, also called halitosis, will be gone.