When it comes to bad breath, there is one obvious culprit: the mouth.
But gum disease, or periodontitis, can cause yet another problem--heart disease.
People with heart trouble are often at increased risk for being diagnosed with periodontal disease. But unlike morning breath -- which might have a simple solution involving brushing your teeth --
“Gingivitis is reversible with prompt treatment. Left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, which in turn can cause tooth loss. The good news is that once you have reversed the gingivitis process and helped your mouth come back into healthy balance (with professional care), you will be able to retain all of your teeth for life,” says Robert R. Sprague, DDS., MSD, president of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP).
Gum disease is actually an infection caused by plaque bacteria. If you don't remove this sticky film of germs through brushing and flossing daily, they collect on your teeth and, over time, form a hard-to-remove layer called tartar. Tartar can irritate the gums and cause them to pull away from the teeth. This is how gum disease starts.
Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( three stages:CDC). If your gums bleed when you brush, you may have gum disease.
Treat the Bacterial Cause:
A team of microbiologists using a scanning electron microscope analyzed and recorded images of bacteria in periodontal pockets before and after Perio Tray® delivery of medication and determined that there was a substantial reduction in bacteria within 17 days.
What Else Should I know?
Your dentist will provide individual treatment instructions for your condition. The first phase of treatment may require more frequent usage. As healing occurs, your dentist will decrease the frequency of use until you are ready to follow a simple maintenance schedule to help sustain healthy teeth and gums.
Patients describe Perio Trays® as comfortable and convenient. Those using a hydrogen peroxide gel also report fresher breath and whiter teeth.
