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You know the feeling. You wake up after a long night of restful sleep only to have a bad taste in your mouth and not so pleasant breath. This is something that many different people experience on a regular basis. Fortunately, you don’t have to put up with it anymore. Your dentist shares the cause of morning breath in South Austin as well as what you can do to reduce it with improved oral hygiene and other tips.

WHAT CAUSES MORNING BREATH?

There are multiple different causes of bad breath after you wake up. Here are the most common reasons:

• Dry Mouth: If you are great at maintaining your oral hygiene routine but still find yourself with morning breath, it is probably because you have dry mouth. When you’re sleeping and have decreased saliva production, bacteria aren’t washed away and lead to a bad odor.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: If you aren’t brushing or flossing your teeth effectively, you could be leaving food debris behind that leads to a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. Ultimately, you will have bad breath by the time you wake up.
• Smoking: If you smoke tobacco products, you are more prone to dry mouth, gum disease, and halitosis, more commonly known as bad breath.
• Certain Foods: Some foods are more known to cause bad breath than others. This includes garlic, onions, and certain spices.
• Acid Reflux: When stomach acid washes up into your esophagus at night due to gastrointestinal reflux, you may experience bad breath as a side effect.

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT MORNING BREATH?

There are steps that can be taken to reduce the bad breath you have when you wake up. Here are a few:

• Drink Water: By drinking water before bed, you can help to keep your mouth hydrated and prevent morning breath.
• Don’t Smoke: Smoking is known for causing bad breath. Ask your doctor, friends, and family about the best ways you can quit.
• Mouthwash: If you use an antiseptic mouthwash, you can protect yourself against gingivitis and reduce bacteria in the mouth.
• Chew Gum: A single piece of sugar-free gum can go a long way. Not only does it increase your saliva production, but it can leave you with a minty fresh taste and smell in your mouth.
• Avoid Smelly Foods: Cutting out strong smelling foods and beverages like garlic, onions, tea, and coffee before you go to bed can prevent the presence of bad breath in the morning.
• Clean Your Tongue: Just like your teeth, your tongue can also collect bacteria. Next time you brush your teeth, give your tongue a scrub. Or you could invest in a tongue scraper from your local drug store. Either way, you can reduce any odors coming from your tongue.

By taking some of these steps, you can start out your day with a healthy, fresh smile. If you struggle with morning breath, your dentist in South Austin will be happy to give you some suggestions on how to maintain freshness in the morning and throughout the day.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Jack Fan provides a wide variety of services at The Dental Centre in South Austin, TX. He earned his doctorate at New York University College of Dentistry and regularly attends continuing education programs to enhance and further his knowledge in the field. For more information on keeping your smile fresh or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Fan, visit his website or call (512) 361-4288.