Bad Breath - Fairfax, VA
Prevent and Treat Halitosis in Fairfax, VA
Common Causes of Bad Breath
Poor dental hygiene habits are one of the causes of bad breath, but you may also have bad breath because of an underlying health problem. Some of the common causes of bad breath include:
- Dental Hygiene Habits
- Food You Eat Regularly
- Lifestyle
- Gum Disease
- Dry Mouth
- Chronic Illness or Disease
Treatment for Halitosis in Fairfax, VA
If you are not being diligent with your brushing and flossing routine, you may develop gum disease and experience symptoms such as bad breath, or halitosis. Bad breath may be the result of poor dental hygiene but can also be a sign of other health problems. You will need to work with Dr. Withers to determine whether you need gum disease treatment in Fairfax, VA. Here is a closer look at some of the common causes of bad breath:
Food Choices
- Bad breath may be a side effect of eating foods with strong odors, such as fish, cheese, onions, and garlic. You can brush and floss your teeth to mask these odors but the problem will not disappear until the food has passed through your body.
Oral Hygiene Habits
- Many people do not realize that bacterial growth between the teeth and gums can cause bad breath. When you do not brush and floss regularly or properly, bacteria in the mouth could cause bad breath.
Lifestyle Habits
- Your daily habits and lifestyle may be causing halitosis. If you use tobacco products regularly, you could have bad breath that persists for days and weeks on end. Keep in mind that tobacco products can also cause gum irritation and affect your taste buds.
Gum Disease
- Bad breath is also one of the signs of periodontal disease. If you have excessive plaque and bacterial buildup around the teeth, toxins produced by bacteria in the mouth will irritate the gums and cause destruction of the bone tissue. If there is an active infection in your mouth, you may have halitosis.
LANAP® FAQs - Fairfax, VA
Prevent and Treat Halitosis in Fairfax, VA
What Happens If I Do Not Treat Gum Disease?
- Affected Teeth May Have to Be Extracted
- You May Need Dental Implants
- Osseous Surgery Demands up to a Four Week Recovery Time
- Bone and Tooth Loss May Occur
- Dentures or Bridges May Need to Be Placed
Treatment for Halitosis in Fairfax, VA
Q: What is the difference between gum disease and periodontal disease?
A: If you have gingivitis that progresses to a more advanced form of gum disease in Chantilly, VA, you need treatment with Dr. J. Alexander Withers as soon as possible. Periodontal disease is the term used to describe advanced forms of gum disease. It is an active infection in the mouth characterized by the loss of supporting structures such as bone tissue and may require laser treatment.
Q: What is the least painful way to treat gum disease?
A: Laser treatment is considered to be the gold standard for treating moderate to severe gum disease. It is the fastest way to treat gum disease in most patients and is minimally invasive. This means that you can enjoy a fast healing time and only minimal discomfort during your procedure.
Q: What are the benefits of laser gum surgery?
A: Laser treatment of the gums promotes a quick recovery and is considered to be a minimally invasive technique. The Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP®) will not cause the gums to recede and is also effective for promoting bone regeneration around the affected teeth.
Q: How do I know whether laser gum surgery is safe?
A: LANAP® is an FDA cleared treatment for gum disease and is backed by extensive research studies. If you have gingivitis that is left untreated, you may need to undergo this laser procedure to restore your oral health if the condition progresses to periodontitis.
Q: How do I know if laser treatment is right for me?
A: If you have symptoms of gingivitis or periodontal disease, set up a consultation with Dr. Withers as soon as possible. You will be able to learn about all of the treatment options available for each stage of gum disease so that you can make the most informed decision about treatment.
Bleeding Gums - Fairfax, VA
Treat Bleeding Gums
Treatment for Halitosis in Centreville, VA
Maintaining good oral health is essential for good health overall. Any signs of gum disease, such as bleeding and swollen gums, need to be addressed right away. Some of the common causes of bleeding gums include:
Gum Disease
- If you do not practice proper oral hygiene, you may be harboring bacteria that cause inflammation of the gum tissue and make your gums bleed or become swollen. Bleeding gums are one of the signs of gum disease and can occur during any stage of this condition. However, the problem is easier to control in the early stage, or that of gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontal disease which in turn can cause bone loss and tooth loss. Periodontal disease can be managed with periodontal therapy, maintenance cleanings, and a good home care program.
Medication Side Effects- Certain medications can increase the chances of developing gum tenderness and trigger bleeding. Medications with blood thinning properties such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), blood pressure medications, and birth control pills can all make the gums bleed more readily.
Pregnancy
- Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy can make the gums bleed when flossing and brushing. In some cases, the gums will start to bleed while eating or even spontaneously. Pregnancy gingivitis is common during and after pregnancy but can be managed with regular dental cleanings and a good home care regimen. Women with periodontal disease are at a higher risk of delivering prematurely or having low birth weight babies.If your gums bleed regularly or you have swollen gums, set up a consultation with Dr. Withers as soon as possible. Dr. Withers provides treatment for bleeding gums in Reston, VA and can create a personalized treatment plan to restore your oral health.
Other Causes of Bleeding and Swollen Gums
- Any signs of gum disease, such as inflammation of the gum tissue, redness, or swelling, need to be taken seriously. Bleeding gums are another sign that there is an active infection in the mouth. Other causes of bleeding gums include:
• Hormonal Fluctuations
• Poor Oral Hygiene
• Infection in the Mouth
Contact us today!
We can discuss the different treatment options for halitosis in Fairfax, VA during your consultation. If you have bad breath or think you may have gum disease, set up your appointment with Dr. Withers today! Dr. Withers is a Periodontist in Fairfax, VA. Dr. Withers and his team are here to serve you and meet your dental needs as comfortably as possible. It is our goal to make your experience in our Fairfax VA Dental office a pleasant visit and restore your dental health quickly and professionally.