Gingivitis can cause your breath to smell like sulfur or rotten eggs. This is because of the bacteria in your mouth releasing chemicals that smells like these things. If you have gingivitis, you may also notice that your gingiva, or gums, are red and swollen. You may also bleed when you brush or floss your teeth.
The damaging bacteria causing Periodontitis are called anaerobes; they have a distinct odor known in the dental industry as “perio breath.” Quite frankly, it smells like death because it sets up a chronic disease in which vital bone starts to die off.
Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include: Swollen or puffy gums. Dusky red or dark red gums. Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss.
Bad Breath
The bacteria that cause the infection also cause tissue rot and can smell over time. Since the infection is persistent, the smell is also persistent. If you try everything that you can to improve the smell, but it won't go away, then it is likely that you need treatment for Periodontal Disease.
Brush using a fluoride-containing toothpaste at least twice a day, especially after meals. Toothpaste with antibacterial properties has been shown to reduce bad breath odors. Floss at least once a day. Proper flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth, helping to control bad breath.
What Does Gingivitis Smell Like? Gingivitis can cause your breath to smell like sulfur or rotten eggs. This is because of the bacteria in your mouth releasing chemicals that smells like these things. If you have gingivitis, you may also notice that your gingiva, or gums, are red and swollen.
If it either bleeds or smells then you have gum disease and should get treatment. A quick scale and polish by a dentist will not eliminate gum disease. Patients with a history of this type treatment are often surprised to find that they have gum disease that requires several hours of treatment by a dental hygienist.
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to Stage 1 Periodontitis. This is when the inflammation in the gums becomes destructive.
Treatment Time for Gingivitis
But for those with gingivitis due to poor oral hygiene, the average time it takes for gingivitis to go away is about 10 to 14 days after your treatment, along with proper oral healthcare. Keep in mind that there are many, many factors that can change the timeline.
Stage 2: Periodontitis
Your gums begin to form “pockets,” deep hollow areas around the teeth that trap food, plaque, and bacteria. Your gums will recede and form gaps between your teeth.
In the first stage of periodontitis, called gingivitis, you may notice red, swollen gums and bad breath. Gums might also bleed when you brush or floss. Gingivitis, which is reversible, can be treated by improving at-home dental care and visiting your dentist regularly for treatment.
Stage 4: Progressive Periodontitis
This stage involves teeth looseness, shifting teeth, red, swollen and painful gums, often forming an abscess. The end result — eating and even smiling is hard and painful, and you may lose most of your teeth.
When you have a condition called perio breath, the disease in your gums may be causing foul odors in your mouth. It is possible to have perio breath and not even realize that you have it. It is also possible to recognize that you have it and try to mask it, but the truth is that perio breath can't be concealed.
The rotten egg smell comes from the breakdown of microbes that live in your digestive system. It may be as simple as addressing acid reflux with an over the counter antacid or with a stronger medication if it is more persistent.
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, and can often be successfully reversed if diagnosed and treated quickly.
It's never too late to seek treatment for gum disease, and the degree of treatment you require will depend on how advanced it is.
If you have mild gingivitis, it can take weeks or even months for it to turn into periodontitis. However, if you have severe gingivitis, it can progress into periodontitis in as little as a few days. This is why it is so important to see a dentist as soon as you notice any symptoms of gingivitis.
Untreated gingivitis will progress into periodontitis, which is a more severe stage of gum disease. The infection and pockets deepen while eating away at your jaw until your teeth become loose and fall out.
The major problem with having breath that physically repels others is that – in most cases – you can't actually smell the rancid fumes you're inadvertantly wafting into the room.
The most common reason for malodor on the floss is gum disease or periodontal disease. The anaerobic bacteria that are responsible for gum disease reside under the gums and these produce what are known as volatile sulfur compounds, otherwise known as VSCs.
Warning signs
Bad breath or bad taste that won't go away. Red or swollen gums. Tender or bleeding gums. Painful chewing.
Gum Disease.
When the cavity-causing bacteria called plaque coats your teeth it can irritate your gums. If left alone, it can form sticky plaque-filled pockets below your gum line, trapping the odor.