Morning breath – we’ve all had it at some point in our life. For some of us, it’s a frequent occurrence that happens as often as every day. While it certainly can be embarrassing, it’s absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Fortunately, there are many ways you can prevent and treat this all too familiar odor. Read on to learn what causes morning breath and how you can wake up feeling fresher and smelling nicer.
What Is Morning Breath?
Also known as halitosis, bad breath typically begins from bacteria in the mouth. When you sleep, food particles collect between your teeth, on the tongue, and along the gum line. The oral bacteria break down these particles, leaving foul-smelling chemicals in your mouth, causing morning breath.
In addition to leftover food, here are a few other common causes of morning breath:
- Dry mouth. Saliva plays an essential role in keeping your mouth healthy. It removes the bacteria that can cause bad breath. When you sleep, saliva production decreases significantly, making your mouth a breeding ground for foul-smelling bacteria.
- Poor oral hygiene. If you fail to effectively brush and floss your teeth, food particles can get stuck in the crevices on the surface of the tongue, between the teeth, or along the gum tissue. Failing to take care of your smile can lead to periodontal disease, which can cause bad breath.
- Tobacco. Smoking or using tobacco increases your risk of developing gum disease. As a result, you’re more likely to suffer from bad breath.
- Medications. Certain medications can cause dry mouth, which makes morning breath even worse.
How to Prevent Morning Breath
No one likes having morning breath. The good news is that there are many steps you can take to avoid it from happening. Some of those include:
- Drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated is incredibly important. You should always drink water before going to sleep at night. It’s a good idea to keep a bottle on your nightstand in case you wake up feeling thirsty.
- Avoid strong-smelling foods. Do not eat or drinks foods like garlic, onions, black tea, or coffee before bed. Otherwise, you’re more likely to wake up with morning breath. Maintaining a healthy diet is the best way to reduce a foul-smelling mouth odor.
- Quitting tobacco. Not smoking or using tobacco can significantly improve your overall health. On the plus side, it’ll keep your mouth from smelling bad in the morning.
You don’t have to suffer from morning breath for the rest of your life. By focusing on your oral health and following the tips outlined above, you can wake up to a fresh scent every day!
About the Practice
At Westgate Dental Care, we strive to provide high-quality and compassionate dental care unlike anywhere else. Our team will always go above and beyond to ensure you receive the exceptional service you deserve. If you have any questions about morning breath or would like to learn about your treatment options, visit our website or call (847) 908-3684 for more information.