Sore gums and bad breath are not only an annoying combination, but can signify a sign of potential trouble. Sore gums can be a temporary pain, and bad breath odor is offensive to others, but some mouth illnesses harbor these two symptoms, resulting in permanent dental issues. Practicing regular oral hygiene and inspecting the mouth for signs of gum changes or bad breath are necessary steps to prevent infection and tooth loss.
Causes
Sore gums may be caused by several factors, which may or may not cause bad breath. For example, a person may have sore gums from flossing, which may be painful but does not affect breath odor. Alternatively, some gum infections may cause bad breath but are not painful, for instance, the gum infection periodontitis, which can cause soft, bleeding gums. As isolated events, gum pain or bad breath may occur from trauma or poor dental habits. Together, gum pain and bad breath may signify something worse.
Gums
In a healthy mouth, gums are firm and typically pink in color. The gums surround the teeth and cover the underlying bone of the jaw. Another term for the gums is the gingiva, and when gums become infected, the result is gingivitis or inflammation of the gums. Brushing the teeth and flossing regularly reduce the incidence of plaque, which can invite bacteria, leading to an infection that causes gum pain and bad breath.
NUG
Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, or NUG, is a painful condition of the gums caused by a bacterial infection that causes gum redness, swelling, bleeding and bad breath. NUG differs from other kinds of gum disease because it is painful and can develop rapidly. The gums between the teeth become soft and flat and ulcers develop throughout the gums, which are the source of pain. Left untreated, NUG can cause damage to the bones and contribute to tooth loss.
Treatment
Treatment of necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis will reduce gum pain and the incidence of bad breath. Treatment includes using a prescription mouthwash containing chlorhexadine as well as regularly gargling with a salt water mix. For severe forms of disease, a dentist may need to remove decaying tissue and bacteria as well as prescribe an antibiotic.
Prevention/Solution
Prevention of bad breath and sore gums from necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis includes proper oral hygiene and regular visits with a dentist, according to NYU Langone Medical Center. A poor dental routine, lack of necessary vitamins and nutrients, smoking and stress all contribute to the development of the disease. Visits with a dentist can point out areas of concern and a dentist may give recommendations for oral care for the best prevention measures.
