Is Morning Breath Normal? How Can I Deal With Morning Breath?

Truth is, we have all probably struggled with morning breath at some point in our lives. Even if we think we haven’t, someone close to us would probably say that we have. Thankfully, morning breath is something that can be treated and even prevented.

What Is Causing Your Morning Breath?

Many different factors could be leading to your morning breath. Your morning breath could be caused by one of these things, or it could be several of these things contributing together:

• Dry mouth– Dry mouth has been known to contribute to stinky morning breath. Your salivary glands produce saliva, which helps to lubricate your mouth and reduce bacteria. When you sleep, your salivary glands produce less saliva, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. More bacteria can lead to worse breath.
• Poor oral hygiene – Poor brushing and flossing habits can lead to bad breath, decay, or even gum disease.
• Eating certain foods – Any food missed during brushing and flossing can lead to bad breath, but certain foods like garlic and onions can cause problems with your breath even if you are brushing well.
• Tobacco – Most people who smoke or use tobacco products struggle with bad breath. Getting rid of tobacco can do wonders for your morning breath, but it can also help prevent gum disease down the road.
• GERD – Do you struggle with acid reflux? Stomach acid washing back up into your esophagus while you sleep may be causing morning breath.
• Medications – Did you know that almost all medications can cause dry mouth?
• Mouth breathing – Breathing through your mouth at night instead of through your nose can cause your mouth to dry out, which leads to stinky morning breath.

How Can I Treat My Morning Breath?

Knowing why you are experiencing morning breath can be a very beneficial resource in treating it. Treating the source will always bring about more lasting results than covering up the symptoms ever will. Here is a list of things that you can try to freshen up your morning breath:

• Brush and floss well – Removing food debris and reducing bad bacteria in the mouth is the best place to start improving your breath. Be sure to brush your tongue, as this is where many bacteria like to hang out.
• Drink some water – Having a glass of water after you wake up can also help cure a dry mouth.
• Chew gum – A sugar-free gum piece can help increase salivary flow and provide a minty fresh smell.
• Mouthrinse – Swishing your mouth out with mouth rinse can help to reduce bacteria and freshen your breath.

How Can I Prevent Morning Breath?

• Say goodbye to tobacco – Eliminating tobacco will improve more than your breath! You will also be reducing your risk of cavities, staining, gum disease, and oral cancer.
• Skip the onion – Avoiding certain foods before bed can help to reduce your morning breath. There is truth in the saying, “You are what you eat!”
• Drink lots of water – Water helps to dislodge food debris, move bacteria, and moisturize your mouth. Drinking a glass of water before bed and waking up can help improve morning breath and even eliminate it.

In most cases, morning breath is more embarrassing than it is harmful. If you follow the tips above for treating and preventing morning breath, things should improve. If you don’t find that your morning breath improves, we recommend you see your dentist for an evaluation. The lousy breath may have more significant causes, such as decay or gum disease, and it isn’t good to ignore these dental problems.