Halitosis is the term for chronic bad breath. But while you may feel embarrassed or self-conscious around others if you are suffering from halitosis, you’re not alone. Halitosis is an extremely common condition. In fact, studies show that half of all adults have had bad breath or halitosis at some stage in their lives^.
There are many reasons why people might experience bad breath – from what we eat and drink, to how well we look after our teeth and gums. However, although halitosis is a common issue, it shouldn’t be ignored. If you are experiencing consistent bad breath, along with other oral health issues like bleeding gums when brushing, visit your dentist as soon as possible. Bad breath and bleeding gums can both be early signs of gum problems.
Learn more about the link between bleeding gums and halitosis, and how you can help to reverse them, below.
What Causes Bad Breath and Bleeding Gums?
Have you noticed bleeding gums when brushing your teeth, as well as unpleasant-smelling breath that won’t go away? Experiencing both halitosis and bleeding gums at the same time isn’t uncommon, because both issues can be caused by the same thing – plaque.
The build-up of plaque^ (the sticky layer on teeth where bacteria grow) in the mouth is one of the causes of halitosis. These bacteria feed on and break down leftover food particles in your mouth after you eat and can leave nasty-smelling toxins behind, resulting in bad breath.
Plaque bacteria are the central cause of gum problems^. If not removed by twice daily brushing and flossing, plaque bacteria can build up and begin to irritate the gums and eventually lead to gingivitis (early stage gum problem). Gingivitis can cause red, swollen and bleeding gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which may result in receding gums, and even tooth loss^.
If you are experiencing bleeding gums and halitosis, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Both of these conditions can be symptoms of gum problems, so it’s important to have a professional check the state of your oral health.
While plaque build-up is one of the most common causes of halitosis, it’s not the only one.
^Gasner NS, Schure RS. Periodontal Disease. 2023
How parodontax Can Help
With twice daily brushing, parodontax Daily Fluoride Toothpaste is proven to be 4X more effective* at removing plaque, the main cause of gum problems.
parodontax is specially formulated to help stop bleeding gums by enhancing plaque removal, for healthy gums and strong teeth.
Discover the full parodontax toothpaste range for better gum health.
*compared to a regular toothpaste with twice daily brushing. GSK data on file. RH02434, 2015
ABOUT GUM PROBLEMS
Explore the articles below to learn more about gum problems, as well as how to help combat and prevent it.
