I have developed ulcers and have bad breath, do I have gum disease?

A.
Most mouth ulcers are caused by damage to the inside of the mouth such as accidentally biting while eating, or from using a toothbrush incorrectly, or from a sharp tooth or filling or chewing sharp or hard foods but the cause of recurrent (returning) and multiple mouth ulcers is often unknown. A number of factors, such as stress and anxiety, again oral trauma or hormonal changes may increase your chances of getting them. Fortunately, most mouth ulcers do not need specific treatment and heal naturally without medication but you can help a mouth ulcer to heal faster by using a soft toothbrush and avoiding hard foods. You should visit your dentist, particularly if they last more than 2 weeks, who can advise you suitable medication such as corticosteroids and/or antimicrobial mouthwashes. If your ulcers are very painful your dentist or GP may prescribe the painkiller benzydamine as a mouthwash or a spray.

As for your gums they should not bleed when you touch or brush them. The most common cause of bleeding gums is gingivitis. This condition is caused by bacteria found in dental plaque but there are factors, again taking birth control pills is one of them, increases the risk of developing this problem. Nevertheless gingivitis can disappear within about a week once you start a program of good oral hygiene. You should seek advice from a dentist or dental hygienist who can explain the most effective methods of brushing and flossing and carry out some professional cleaning if necessary as gingivitis could get worse and turn into periodontitis that is a condition that can lead to significant loss of tissue and bone around teeth.

Finally many things can cause bad breath but it is likely that in your case is related to inflammation and bacterial activity inside your mouth. You should use an antimicrobial mouthwash and definitely seek professional advice without any embarrassment. They are there to help.