A Breath of Fresh Air

April 11th, 2023

It’s springtime and love is in the air!  If you’re searching for someone special, keep in mind that while a sense of humor is a real plus, bad breath, conversely, tops the list of prospective partner turn-offs. man and woman dancing

Two thousand consumers responded to a poll conducted by research firm OnePoll and oral-care product provider SmartMouth at the end of 2022. The results are in:

  • 52% reported that bad breath was a bigger turn-off than body odor
  • 37% said bad breath ruins a first kiss
  • 53% of folks were concerned about having bad breath when leaving the house
  • Fresh breath ranked higher than checking for keys or phones on the “to-do” checklist when leaving the house.

Conclusion: Your breath counts!

Do You Have Gum Disease-Related Bad Breath?

Bad breath can show up as a result of a health issue like a sinus condition or gastric reflux. But early-stage gum disease, called gingivitis, can also contribute to bad breath. Gum disease is an inflammatory disease that affects both the hard and soft tissues in your mouth, the ones that support your teeth. Bacteria that grow below the gum line have a bad smell. When food particles remain in the mouth too long, bacteria breaking down the food particles produce foul-smelling compounds. Staying hydrated helps reduce the odor, along with regular brushing and flossing, but if it’s gum disease, you need to address it, and the sooner the better.

If you’re experiencing bad breath and can’t relate it to a medical condition, you could be one of the nearly half of all adults aged 30 and older who show signs of gum disease. Your risk for gum disease increases if you:

  • Use tobacco products
  • Have poor oral hygiene
  • Have a systemic disease like diabetes and/or weakened immune system
  • Are genetically predisposed
  • Are taking certain medications
  • Grind or clench your teeth
  • Maintain poor nutrition

Contact the Pennsylvania Center for Dental Implants and Periodontics today for a consultation to see if you have gum disease. We can normally reverse early-stage gum disease. More serious stages (periodontitis) can be treated but may not be reversible.

Let us help you improve your breath, your overall oral health, and maybe even your dating life!