Have you ever woken up in the morning with a breath that could knock out a dragon? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. That stinky breath you sometimes wake up with is called “morning breath.” But don’t panic. Let’s find out what multiple morning breath causes are and what you can do to prevent them.
What Causes Morning Breath?
1. Dry Mouth
When you sleep, your mouth produces less saliva. Saliva helps wash away food particles and bacteria in your mouth. So, when you wake up, your mouth might feel dry, and that lack of saliva can lead to smelly breath.
2. Bacteria Party
Your mouth is like a nightclub for bacteria. While you’re sleeping, bacteria in your mouth are having a wild party, feeding on the food particles left behind from dinner. As they chow down, they produce smelly gases, which can make your breath stink.
3. Sleeping with Your Mouth Open
Some people sleep with their mouths open, especially if they have a stuffy nose or if they breathe through their mouth when they sleep. This can dry out your mouth even more, leading to worse morning breath.
4. Skipping Toothbrush Time
If you forget to brush your teeth before bed, you’re giving bacteria a free pass to party all night in your mouth. They’ll feast on the leftover food, causing their morning breath to be extra stinky.
How to Prevent Morning Breath
Now that we know why morning breath happens, let’s talk about how to keep it at bay!
1. Brush Before Bed
Make sure to brush your teeth before you hit the hay. This removes food particles and bacteria from your mouth, giving those bacteria less to feast on while you sleep.
2. Floss Like a Boss
Brushing alone might not be enough to get rid of all the food particles between your teeth. That’s where flossing comes in. Flossing helps remove food stuck between your teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach.
3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Ensure your mouth stays refreshed by staying hydrated with ample water intake all day long. This helps stimulate saliva production, which can wash away bacteria and food particles in your mouth.
4. Rise and Shine with Brushing
As soon as you wake up, brush your teeth again to kick-start your day with fresh breath. This removes any leftover bacteria and food particles that accumulated overnight. At any point, if you feel the need, go ahead with teeth cleanings & checkups near you.
5. Don’t Forget Your Tongue
Bacteria love to hang out on your tongue, so don’t forget to brush it gently along with your teeth. You can also use a tongue scraper to remove even more bacteria.
6. Mouthwash Magic
Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash after brushing to kill any lingering bacteria and leave your mouth feeling fresh.
7. Watch What You Eat
Some specific foods, such as onions, garlic, and spicy cuisine, have the potential to exacerbate undesirable breath odours. Try to avoid them before bedtime if you’re concerned about morning breath.
8. Regular Dental Visits
Don’t skip your dental check-ups. Your dentist near you can help keep your mouth healthy and catch any issues before they lead to smelly breath.
Final Thoughts
Remember, everyone wakes up with a morning breath now and then. It’s a natural part of being human. But by following these tips, you can keep your breath fresher and start your day with a smile instead of a stinky surprise.
Inglewood Family Dental offers expert care to help you combat morning bad breath if your at-home efforts fall short. Trust our team of dentists in Calgary to keep your smile fresh and your breath sweet.