Can periodontitis cause bad breath?

In general, whether periodontitis causes bad breath depends on the severity of the condition. Mild periodontitis usually does not明显 cause bad breath, but if it progresses to moderate or severe periodontitis, bad breath may develop. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If periodontitis is in its mild stage, with only slight redness and swelling of the gums and minimal plaque buildup, and without significant periodontal pockets or pus formation, the amount of odor-causing substances produced by bacterial breakdown is small, so noticeable bad breath typically does not occur. Symptoms can gradually improve through timely oral cleaning and improved hygiene habits.

When periodontitis progresses to a moderate or severe stage, obvious gum bleeding and swelling occur, deeper periodontal pockets form, and large numbers of bacteria proliferate within these pockets. These bacteria break down food debris and necrotic tissue, producing foul-smelling compounds such as sulfur-containing substances. Pus discharge may also accompany the infection, further intensifying the odor, resulting in明显 bad breath that cannot be completely eliminated by regular toothbrushing.

To prevent bad breath caused by periodontitis, it's important to maintain good daily oral hygiene practices, including thorough brushing morning and night, using dental floss or interdental brushes to clean between teeth, and undergoing regular periodontal cleaning to remove dental plaque and tartar.