If you have bad breath, you might think it's from something you ate. Recipes that contain garlic and onions can leave your breath with an unpleasant odor. If your bad breath is caused by something you ate, you can resolve the problem by brushing your teeth. Or, you might think you have halitosis, which is chronic bad breath. If your chronic bad breath isn't caused by halitosis or something you ate, there's a good chance you have gum disease. That's a dental problem that needs to be taken care of as fast as possible. Gum disease can cause health problems. It can also lead to premature tooth loss. Here are three signs that your chronic bad breath is actually a symptom of gum disease. 

Your Gums are Swollen and Red

If you're dealing with chronic bad breath, take a look at your gums. Your gums can tell you a lot about your mouth. For instance, if your gums are swollen and red, it's likely that you're suffering from gum disease. What you might not know is that gum disease can cause bad breath. Luckily, when gum disease gets diagnosed in the early stages, it can be cured. That means you'll save your teeth, protect your gums, and get rid of the bad breath. 

You've Got Pus Around Your Teeth

If you can't get rid of your bad breath, and the odor seems to be getting worse, press on your gums. If you see pus around your teeth, you need to see a dentist right away. Not only is pus the cause of your foul mouth odor, but it's also a sign that you have an advanced stage of gum disease. A trip to the dentist will take care of both issues. But, you do need to schedule your appointment as soon as possible. 

Your Doctor Ruled Out Medical Issues

If you've seen your doctor about your bad breath, but they've ruled out medical issues, visit your dentist. There are some medical conditions that can cause bad breath. Some of those medical conditions include acid reflux, postnasal drip, and gastrointestinal issues. If those issues aren't causing your bad breath, there's a good chance that the problem is related to gum disease. Your dentist can provide you with treatment to heal your gums. Once your gums are healed, the bad breath should resolve itself.

For more information, contact a dentist near you.

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