This presentation discusses various gum diseases and causes of bad breath, as well as prevention.

1. Easy to Prevent,
Dangerous to Ignore: The
Reality Behind Bad Breath
A presentation by Callie Anyan, Chelsea Humphries, William Spires, and Katie
Williams
S

2. What is bad breath?
S Bad breath, medically referred to as halitosis, is caused
primarily by the bacteria living on the back of the tongue.
About 75% of bad breath, or halitosis, is caused by the
mouth itself. Other causes include the following: gastric
problems, sinus infections, severe gum disease (Mark
Wolff, DDS, Ph.D). Halitosis may also be caused by
fungal infections.

3. Gingivitis
Periodontal disease causing inflammation of the gums and halitosis
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4. Causes:
S The most common cause of gingivitis is by poor oral
hygiene. Gingivitis CAUSES bad breath!
Pictures of Gingivitis

5. Symptoms:
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Swollen, red gums
Gingivitis Infected Gums
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Receding gum line
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Bleeding of gums after brushing or flossing
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Halitosis (Bad breath)
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Can cause tooth loss if not treated
Picture of Healthy Gums Compared to

6. Preventions:
S Your oral habits matter! It can make all the difference in
periodontal disease and your risk level.
Regularly make
appointments for
professional oral checkups.
Brush your teeth thoroughly
twice a day.
Floss your teeth in order to Always rinse your toothbrush
keep your gums strong and and never enclose it; this can
clean.
cause bacterial build up.
Change your toothbrush
every 3-4 months!

7. Periodontitis
Inflammation and Infection of the bone and ligament surrounding the tooth.
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8. Periodontitis
“Second stage of Gum Disease”
•
At this stage plaque, spreads to
your tooth roots causing an
infection
•
This can damage the bones,
gomphisis (teeth joints) and
fibers that hold teeth in place

9. Signs/Symptoms of Patients
suffering from Periodontitis:
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Swollen/bleeding gums
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Change in color of gums (healthy pink  red)
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Receding gums
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Formation of pockets
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Unpleasant taste in mouth
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Loose teeth
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BAD BREATH

10. What should you watch for?
•
Periodontitis is caused by bacteria that attach to the teeth at
the gum line and result in an infection.
•
Although severe, it is usually not painful
•
Continued inflammation of the gums from lack of proper dental
care leads to damage of surrounding bone, joints and tissue.
•
The deterioration of bones from inflammation can lead to teeth
falling out.

11. Periodontal Pockets
S Periodontal Probes- used to measure depths of pockets in a
periodontal patient.
S The average healthy pocket is 3mm with no bleeding upon probing.

12. Prevention
S Proper Plaque control
S Professional cleanings twice a year
S Daily brushing and flossing
S Antibacterial mouth rinse

14. Oral Candidiasis
•Also known as “Thrush”
•Over production of a naturally occurring yeast called Candida
•Candida are normally found on Mucous membranes
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15. Symptoms of Oral Candidiasis
S White patches or plaques on the
tongue or other mucous
membranes
S Redness or soreness of the tongue
or mouth
S Difficulty swallowing
S Cracking in the corners of the
mouth

16. Causes of Oral Candidiasis
S Over production of Candida albicans
S Occurs when the immune system is weakened
S With a weak immune system, the environment in the mouth
becomes imbalanced
S Bad oral hygiene and this imbalance allow yeast to multiply
rapidly

17. Medical issues that can lead to
Oral Candidiasis
S HIV/AIDS
S Cancer
S Organ Transplants
S Diabetes
S Use of corticosteroids
S Dentures

18. Prevention
GOOD ORAL HYGEINE!
S Regular brushing
S Flossing
S Mouthwash
S Patients undergoing cancer treatments
should use mouthwash containing
Chlorohexidine

19. Statistics
S It affects 5-7% of children under 1 month old
S Estimated between 9 and 31 percent of AIDS patients
S Hard to determine severity of cases since Candida albicans
is always present

20. Treatment
S Oral Antifungal Medication
S Systemic Antifungal
medications
S Antifungal mouthwashes

21. More than just your mouth…
S Recent studies have shown a correlation between heart
disease and oral bacteria

22. How does bad oral health
damage your heart?
S Bacteria, specifically the types related to periodontitis,
can ultimately affect the health of your cardiovascular
system in a long term, and life threatening way.

23. Specific Cardiovascular Risks
Associated with Oral Health
S Potential heart damages of bad oral
health
S Carotid intima- media thickening
S Atherosclerosis
S Cerebrovascular accident
S Coronary artery disease

24. Prevention
S Prevention of gingivitis and periodontitis
S Do not swallow mouth wash
S Brushing/flossing
S Regular teeth cleanings/dental
checkups
S Do not smoke

25. Summary
S Good oral hygiene can save your mouth and even your
life!
S Keep regularly scheduled dental appointments
S Brush brush brush!
S Floss daily
S Use antiseptic mouth wash
S Do not use tobacco products in any form

26. REMEMBER: