Morning breath is a common occurrence that occurs early in the morning when one wakes up from bed. It is that nasty thing you feel in your mouth that makes you feel uncomfortable. Bad breath is scientifically called halitosis.
Sometimes, you get a really bad smell inside your mouth. That is definitely from the bacteria inside. These bacteria produce gases with an obnoxious smell when you are asleep, and thus, your breath in the morning is terrible. Let’s understand these from the desk of a Fort Myers dentist.
Why Do We Get Morning Breath?
Here are the main reasons why morning breath happens:
- Bacteria in the Mouth
Bacteria in the mouth process foods, saliva, and other substances as people sleep. This results in smelly gases known as volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs).
- Dry Mouth
Saliva tidies up by washing out bacteria through swallowing to leave the oral cavity. You tend to produce less saliva at night, leading to a dry mouth. If there is not enough saliva, bacteria proliferate, leading to foul breath.
- Food
Some foods that can make your breath stink include garlic, onions, coffee, and spices. These are better eaten during the day because their smell may still be sticking to your teeth the following morning.
- Smoking
Smoking dries the mouth and gives it a smoky smell, which is not recommended. It can also weaken your sense of smell; thus, you may not get a bad breath.
- Poor Oral Hygiene
Failure to brush or floss correctly results in food and bacteria remaining in the mouth. These are responsible for mouth odor and can lead to gum disease or tooth decay, which facilitates the formation of bad breath.
- Breathing Through Your Mouth
Those who snore or sleep with their mouths open are most likely to wake up with dry mouths, which can lead to bad breath.
- GERD (Acid Reflux)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease or acid indigestion can worsen the primary symptom of chest discomfort, which causes unpleasant wind or breath in the mouth at night.
How to Get Rid of Morning Breath
You can reduce or prevent morning breath by improving your oral care and changing some habits:
- Brush Before Bed
You need to clean your mouth thoroughly before going to sleep. After brushing your teeth, it is also important not to consume any food or beverages.
- Floss and Rinse
Cleaning with floss—If food particles are lodged between any two of your teeth, you should use floss to eliminate them. You can also wash your mouth with non-alcoholic mouthwash, which will eradicate bacteria.
- Clean Your Tongue
Go for a tongue scraper to remove all the dirt from your mouth’s inners. This removes bacteria and leftover food that cause bad breath.
- Stay Hydrated
Drink lots of water, especially before bedtime. The right amount of water can keep your mouth moist and hydrated.
- Avoid Strong Foods at Night
Don’t eat garlic or onions or drink coffee in the evening. These foods can make your breath smell bad the next morning.
- Quit Smoking
Stop smoking or using tobacco. It will make your breath fresher and improve your health.
- Chew Sugar-Free Gum
You should definitely try sugar-free gums. They can remove all the bad smells from your mouth and increase saliva.
Treating Morning Breath
- Visit a Dentist
A dentist can clean your teeth and gums. They can treat gum disease if needed.
- Treat GERD
If acid reflux is the problem, your doctor can give you medicine. Sometimes, try to sleep with your head in the upper position.
- Clean Retainers or Braces
If you wear a retainer or braces, clean them daily to avoid bacteria buildup.
When to See a Dentist
If your bad breath persists, you should definitely visit the dentist. They can find the cause and help you treat it.
You can wake up with fresh breath and feel great every morning with good care!