Why Does Morning Breath Happen?

People don’t want to experience morning breath, but it is extremely common. Maybe you feel like you are trying to get rid of it, but it keeps returning. The reason for this may be that you don’t understand the true underlying cause and may not be addressing it correctly. This blog will outline why morning breath happens and how to reduce it.

Major Causes

Before trying to tackle your morning breath, it’s important to consider the major factors that can cause it and know which one is causing yours. Here are some of the most common causes:

Mouth Breathing and Bacteria Buildup

Bacteria from food or other particles tend to linger in the mouth, especially when there is a lack of saliva to wash it out. This mainly comes from breathing through the mouth, drying it out and leading the sitting bacteria to produce odor.

Medication

Certain medications can make you more susceptible to experiencing dry mouth while you sleep. They can also break down chemicals differently and lead to a negative smell.

GERD

GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease, meaning the acids from food tend to come back up from the stomach, especially when lying down. This acid washing back up can create a bad odor in the mouth while you sleep.

Gum Disease

Poor oral hygiene, specifically gum disease, can lead to morning breath. When bacteria sticks in the pockets of your gums in between the teeth, it gives bad odor a way to stay in your mouth throughout the day and the night.

Specific Foods

Foods with strong smells, such as onions, can permeate your mouth and cause morning breath. If you don’t take action to eliminate the odor as much as possible before bed, it will linger.

How to Get Rid of It

When you figure out the main cause of your morning breath, it becomes easier to treat it. Some of the ways you can treat morning breath are:

• Maintain a Good Oral Care Routine: One of the easiest but most effective ways to eliminate morning breath is through an oral health routine. Always brush, floss, and rinse right before bed to eliminate potential bacteria clinging to your teeth and gums.
• Increase Saliva Production: A great way to improve saliva production is by chewing gum or eating foods that have a high water concentration, such as cucumbers. Limit things such as tobacco and alcohol that can dry out your mouth.
• Treat Acid Reflux: If this is the cause of your morning breath, find ways to treat it through medication or eating probiotic foods that are easier to digest.
• Stay On Top of Dental Visitations: Visiting the dentist Idaho Falls is crucial for preventing gum disease and other potential issues. They can also give you insights on how you personally can avoid bad breath as much as possible.

Conclusion

Get rid of stubborn morning breath by finding the underlying cause and treating it accordingly. A bad morning breath isn’t pleasant for anyone involved and can hinder your quality of life. Luckily, it can be easily treated so you can get back to that fresh smile.