Is Morning Breath Inevitable?

While some suffer more than others, it is rare to find someone who doesn’t suffer from bad morning breath at all. Even the healthiest mouths produce unpleasant odors, especially after several hours of sleeping. Morning breath is a common term because it affects a large number of the population. For those that brush and floss diligently before bed, this foul breath odor upon waking can be quite frustrating. What actually causes morning breath? And is there anything you can do to make it better?

First and foremost, it is important to realize that bad breath isn’t always harmless. If you have severe halitosis that occurs persistently throughout the day, it may be a sign of gum disease. Bad breath is most often triggered by excess bacteria in the mouth, which can point to dental health problems such as poor oral hygiene, infection or decay.

If you are only battling bad breath when you wake up, it is likely a result of what happens in your mouth while you sleep. During the night, your body’s saliva glands slow down. Saliva is a critical component of your oral health, as it helps to neutralize acids in your mouth, break down food particles and rinse away bacteria. Unfortunately, with less spit circulating in your mouth while you sleep, the natural bacteria (and possible food debris left behind) doesn’t get washed away like it might during the day. The bacteria feeds on these particles and releases a foul (sulfur-like) compound in return – which gives us that unwanted breath odor when making our morning stretch.

Ways to Promote Fresher Morning Breath

While you may not be able to get rid of morning breath completely, there are certainly things you can do to lessen its “kick” or severity. To promote fresher breath in the morning, pay attention to the following:

Brush, Floss and Rinse Before Bed – leave as little bacteria and food particles in your mouth as possible when your head hits the pillow.

Avoid Garlic and Onions at Dinner – once digested, these smelly foods can enter your bloodstream and return to your lungs to contribute to bad breath hours later.

Avoid Mouth Breathing– if you have been known to snore and breathe through your mouth while you sleep, you are setting yourself up for bad breath in the morning. These sleep habits contribute to dry mouth, a leading cause of foul breath odor.

Stay Hydrated – To lessen the effects of dry mouth and bad breath while you sleep, consider using a humidifier beside your bed. It is also very important to stay hydrated during the day and even keep a glass of water nearby during the night.

Brush Your Teeth and Wake Up Your Saliva Glands in Morning – To regain that fresh breath you need and desire, grab your toothbrush upon waking and try to eat breakfast soon after. Skipping breakfast can cause bad breath to linger, as chewing will “wake up” your saliva glands to boost your breath odor!

Think your bad breath is something more? Your halitosis may require more professional treatment, including gum disease therapy, cavity repair or other services. Call Gainesville Dental Group today to learn more about our dental care services for a healthy and confident smile!

Posted on behalf of Gainesville Dental Group