Understanding Different Types of Gum Problems and Solutions

If a dentist has diagnosed gum disease as the cause of bad breath, professional treatment may be needed to resolve the problem. Also known as halitosis, bad breath typically resolves once the root cause has been addressed. More importantly, by treating gum disease, complications like pain, infection and tooth loss can also be avoided. This article explores the different treatments available.

Bad breath and gum problems: What’s the connection?

According to The South African Dental Association (SADA), gum disease is a common cause of bad breath. Also called periodontal disease, it is a chronic infection that typically results from poor oral hygiene. A sticky, bacterial film called plaque accumulates on the teeth, infecting the gums and eventually spreading to the connective tissues and bone underneath. 

Plaque by itself can cause bad breath, as the bacteria in plaque produce unpleasant-smelling compounds. Gum disease can compound this problem by creating deep pockets below the gum line. Bacteria, dead cells and food debris become trapped in the periodontal pockets, where toothbrushing and flossing are unable to reach. As this matter decays, it releases a foul odour. 

If gum disease is causing bad breath, treating the gum disease will usually help to improve the problem. It will also benefit general health, as gum disease is known to be connected to serious health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In the case of the following signs of gum disease, a professional examination from a dentist is recommended:

• Red, swollen or tender gums. 
• Bleeding when brushing teeth. 
• Gums that appear to be pulling or shrinking away from the teeth. 
• Persistent bad breath. 
• A metallic or unpleasant taste in the mouth. 
• Loose or shifting teeth. 
• Pus or other discharge from the gums. 
• A change in how the teeth fit together when biting. 
• A change in how dentures fit. 

How is bad breath from gum problems treated? 

The recommended treatment will depend on how advanced the gum disease is. 

Standard cleaning

For mild cases of early gum disease (gingivitis), a regular dental cleaning may be enough to restore gum health. Plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) will be removed from the teeth using handheld tools like scalers or scrapers. A mildly abrasive toothpaste will then be used to lift any surface stains and residue, followed by a rinse. 

Dental cleanings are usually painless, but can be uncomfortable if the gums are tender. Dental professionals are able to help patients manage this discomfort, so anxious patients are encouraged to communicate any concerns and discuss solutions. 

Root planing and scaling

If gum disease has progressed, it may be necessary to perform a deep cleaning under the gum line, otherwise known as a root planing and scaling. 

A local anaesthetic will be administered to numb your gums. Plaque and tartar deposits will then be removed from the root surfaces using a scaling tool. This may be a handheld manual scraper or an ultrasonic tool, which uses vibrations to dislodge hard deposits. It also sprays water to rinse away the debris. 

Next, a planing tool will be used to smooth the rough surface of the tooth root. This makes it harder for bacteria to reattach and plaque to form again, and helps the gum tissue reattach to the root surface and heal. 

If periodontal pockets have formed between the gums and the teeth, these will be cleaned and any infection treated. This may be done with topical ointments, rinses or oral antibiotics

Oral hygiene

A thorough daily oral hygiene routine will be recommended to help treat gum disease and bad breath. This will include the following steps:

• Brush the teeth twice a day, for two minutes each time.
• Choose a fluoride toothpaste such as meridol® Toothpaste. It is specially formulated to care for the gums, with dual-action amine fluoride and stannous fluoride to neutralise plaque bacteria and allow the gums to heal. It also prevents new plaque from forming, keeping the gums healthy and the breath fresh.
• Use an ultra-soft toothbrush, like the meridol® Soft Toothbrush. It has soft, microfine bristles that gently clean without irritating tender gums.
• Because a toothbrush cannot reach the tight interdental spaces between the teeth, brushing only cleans 60% of the tooth surfaces. Using dental floss or other interdental cleaning tools can help to clear the plaque, bacteria and food debris that brushing misses. There may be some bleeding and tenderness at first, but this should resolveresolves as the gums heal.
• Use a gum health mouthwash like meridol® Mouthwash. It gently sweeps away any lingering bacteria and other odour-causing debris, and it contains added fluoride for extra plaque protection. It is also free from drying ingredients like SLS and alcohol, which can exacerbate gum problems and bad breath.
• Clean the tongue, too. The bumpy surface can harbour countless odour-producing bacteria, so SADA recommends cleaning the tongue with a toothbrush or tongue scraper every day.

Regular check-ups

A professional dental check-up is recommended every six months. A dentist or hygienist will clean the teeth to remove plaque and tartar accumulation, preventing gum disease and bad breath from taking hold. These regular check-ups also allow the dental professional to detect gum disease in the earliest stages, when treatment is likely to be most effective.