Bad breath

[Christian 1]

I’m 48 and recently I have become aware of my bad breath. I brush twice a day, but often my gums bleed on brushing. Also I feel some of my teeth may be becoming a little loose (alarming!!).

I don’t see the dentist regularly, mainly because of being scared of dentists and some bad experiences in the past.

Could you please let me know what the problem is and what I must do. I’m a diabetic patient and I am on Insulin.

[Dr Ehsan J. Esfahani]

Hello Christian,

Thank you for your post.

Bleeding gums is usually a sign of disease and should not be ignored. Loose teeth is usually a sign of severe gum disease. Bad breath can be caused by a number of things and can also be a sign of gum disease. I suggest you see the dentist as soon as possible and have a full check-up and gum assessment.

Diabetic patients often suffer from gum disease and need to control there diabetes and see the hygienist or dentist regularly for professional cleaning. Poorly controlled diabetes and gum disease are linked.

Following a full assessment we will advise you what treatment is necessary. Usually this will begin with deep cleaning under local anaesthetic so it is not painful at all. Teeth which can not be saved will be removed. Missing teeth can be replaced with dental implants following stabilisation of the gum disease. If we feel your treatment is complex we will advise you to see the gum specialist. We have a gum specialist at Pearl. We also offer sedation for dental phobics.