Gums that smell like poop signal an underlying issue, often related to oral health or systemic conditions. Understanding these reasons is key to addressing the problem.
Primary Oral Health Reasons
Poor oral hygiene often causes unpleasant gum odor. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria and food particles, accumulates on teeth and gumline, creating an environment for odor-producing bacteria. This buildup can harden into tartar, making it harder to remove.
Bacterial accumulation often leads to gum disease, beginning with gingivitis (gum inflammation). Gingivitis causes red, swollen, easily bleeding gums, and bacteria produce foul-smelling compounds. Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, a more severe gum disease. Periodontitis breaks down tissues supporting teeth, forming deep pockets where anaerobic bacteria flourish, intensifying the foul odor.
Localized oral infections can also cause a distinct, strong smell. A dental abscess, a pus pocket from bacterial infection, can emit a foul odor and taste, especially if it ruptures. Abscesses form around tooth roots or in gums, often causing pain and swelling.
Systemic Connections and Other Factors
Beyond oral health, systemic conditions and other factors can influence breath and gum odor. Dry mouth (xerostomia) results from reduced saliva flow, often due to medications, medical conditions, or mouth breathing. Saliva cleanses the mouth by washing away food particles and bacteria; reduced flow allows odor-producing bacteria to accumulate.
Medical conditions can also cause unusual breath odors. Uncontrolled diabetes, for instance, increases gum disease risk, contributing to bad breath. Kidney or liver conditions can lead to toxin accumulation, exhaled as distinct odors. Respiratory infections, like sinus infections, can also cause foul breath from post-nasal drip and bacterial activity.
Some medications cause dry mouth, indirectly contributing to odor by reducing saliva. Others can alter oral flora or lead to changes in breath smell. While less direct causes than oral issues, these systemic factors can exacerbate oral malodor.
The Science Behind the Odor
The “poop-like” smell from gums is due to volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) produced by certain bacteria. These gases include hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulfide. Anaerobic bacteria, thriving in oxygen-poor environments like deep gum pockets, are the main culprits.
These bacteria break down proteins and amino acids from food debris, dead cells, and blood. Their metabolic processes release VSCs as byproducts. Methyl mercaptan often smells like feces and significantly contributes to this malodor.
The combination and concentration of these VSCs, along with compounds like skatole and indole, create the distinct fecal odor. This biological process explains the specific, unpleasant smell, distinguishing it from general bad breath.
Addressing the Issue and Seeking Professional Help
Addressing a poop-like gum smell begins with diligent oral hygiene. Brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, focusing on the gumline, and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles. An antimicrobial mouthwash can also reduce bacteria and freshen breath. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water helps maintain saliva flow, naturally cleansing the mouth.
If the odor persists despite consistent home care, seek professional dental help. A dentist can accurately diagnose the underlying cause for effective treatment. During a dental visit, the dentist will conduct an oral examination, potentially including probing gum pockets and taking X-rays, to assess gum and tooth health.
Treatment may involve professional cleaning, such as scaling and root planing, to remove plaque and tartar. For infections like dental abscesses, drainage and antibiotics may be necessary. Addressing underlying dental issues like deep cavities or failing restorations is also part of comprehensive treatment. Early intervention prevents severe gum disease complications like bone and tooth loss.