Why Do I Have Morning Breath?

After waking up from a good night’s sleep, some people might start their day with a bad case of morning breath. Does this sound like you? Don’t worry – you’re certainly not alone. Although it might be embarrassing, it’s nothing to be ashamed of because we’ve all been there before. It’s extremely common and most people will experience it at some point in their lives. Luckily, your dentist in Duncanville shares a few ways you can prevent and treat morning breath.

What is Morning Breath?

Morning breath is a type of bad breath, also known as halitosis. It’s the result of bacteria in the mouth and usually affects people right when they wake up. While you sleep, food particles accumulate between your teeth, on the tongue, and along the gum line. When your mouth bacteria break down these particles, it leaves behind the foul-smelling chemicals everyone knows as “morning breath”.

Common Causes of Morning Breath

Here are a few common causes behind morning breath:

Food

Aside from leftover food particles in your mouth, certain foods can cause smelly breath, such as garlic, onions, and spices. Since they’re strong-smelling foods, they can cause morning breath even if you brush your teeth very well.

Dry Mouth

Do you have excellent oral hygiene? Dry mouth might be the most likely cause. Throughout the day, saliva helps wash away bacteria from the mouth that cause bad breath. However, when you sleep, saliva production decreases significantly and contributes to the foul smell.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Another common cause behind morning breath is poor oral hygiene. Mouths are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, so if you’re not brushing or flossing effectively, food particles can get trapped in the crevices on the tongue, between the teeth, and along the gum tissue. When bacteria break down these food particles, it releases a foul-smelling odor in the morning.

Tobacco

Using tobacco products, particularly smoking, is significantly associated with bad breath and halitosis. It can dry out your mouth and increase your risk of gum disease.

How Can I Prevent Morning Breath?

Fortunately, there are several preventive measures you can take before you go to bed to prevent bad breath, including:

• Staying hydrated. Drink plenty of water before going to sleep for the night! It helps to keep a water bottle on your nightstand in case you wake up feeling thirsty.
• Avoiding strong-smelling foods. Try not to consume strong-smelling foods and drinks before bed, such as garlic, onions, black tea, or coffee.
• Quitting tobacco products. Avoiding tobacco products at all costs is the best way to improve your overall health. It also helps keep your mouth from smelling bad in the morning!

Ultimately, proper dental care and a healthy lifestyle is the best line of defense against morning breath. By taking good care of your oral health, you can maintain fresh breath for life!

About the Practice

At Bear Creek Family Dentistry, we pride ourselves on providing top-notch, comfortable, and comprehensive dental services that the entire family can enjoy. Our team goes above and beyond to ensure every visit is enjoyable and satisfying. If you struggle with morning breath, our dentists can develop a treatment plan that will have your breath smelling as fresh as ever. Visit our website or call our office to schedule an appointment.