Bad breath isn’t something that most people like to talk about.  But it’s a serious issue that afflicts millions of Americans over 65, and it doesn’t go away on its own.  

Dr. Anthony Dailley–The Halitosis Doctor

Fortunately, Dr. Anthony Dailley, the Halitosis Doctor, has built a practice which specializes in treating the root causes of bad breath instead of just trying to cover up the problem. Please get in touch with us if you or someone you know is struggling with chronic bad breath at any age.

Bad Breath and Gum Disease

Bad breath can affect people of all ages, but seniors often face additional risk factors that can increase the likelihood that they will struggle with bad breath. For example, gum disease is a serious medical condition which grows more prevalent as we age.  According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) over 70% of Americans over 65 suffer from periodontitis, an advanced stage of gum disease.  

In addition to causing bad breath, periodontitis can wreak havoc on your smile if it is not treated by a dentist. Besides bad breath, symptoms of periodontitis include:  

  • Red, swollen, sensitive gums
  • Gums feel painful to the touch
  • Bleeding gums
  • Loose teeth
  • It hurts to chew
  • Pus emits from gums
  • Your teeth don’t fit together when you bite down

Bad Breath Risk Factors for Older Americans

Gum disease is not the only cause of bad breath which is of particular concern to older Americans.  There are additional factors which can make bad breath more acute or more common as we grow older.  These factors include:

  • Dry mouth–we produce less saliva as we age
  • Medications–bad breath is a common side effect of certain medications
  • Underlying health conditions such as untreated diabetes and kidney failure
  • Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease can interfere with home dental care, such as brushing and flossing

Dentures and Bad Breath

Dentures are one of the most common reasons why seniors are more likely to suffer from bad breath. Dentures are difficult to keep clean, and this can cause issues as far as bad breath is concerned.  However, dentures-wearers can also face a far more serious condition known as denture stomatitis, which is an “irritation and inflammation of the tissue of the mouth cavity due to denture use.”  Denture stomatitis can really do a number on your breath.  Symptoms of denture stomatitis include

  • Pain when putting in and taking out dentures
  • Sores develop on the corner of lips or roof of mouth
  • Red, swollen tissue soft palate (the back of the roof of the mouth)
  • Bleeding and burning sensations
  • Abnormally dry mouth

The Center for Breath Treatment

At the Center for Breath Treatment in Berkeley, CA, Dr. Dailley and our outstanding team specializes in diagnosing and treating bad breath.  Please contact us if you or someone you know suffers from this treatable condition.  We’re here to help.