Morning breath can usually be easily prevented and resolved in a few simple steps.
Do you wake up in the morning with a horrible taste in your mouth, as well as foul-smelling breath? You are not alone — morning breath is a common issue that affects many people. The good news, however, is that the problem can be resolved or even prevented altogether with a few simple lifestyle changes. Read on to find out what you can do to make sure that you wake up with fresh breath every day…
What is morning breath?
Morning breath is a form of halitosis, a condition that is usually caused by a build-up of bacteria in the mouth. When plaque and food particles are left to accumulate in the mouth and get stuck between the teeth, along the gum line, and on the surface of the tongue, the bacteria in the mouth break down the particles and produce unpleasant-smelling chemicals.
There are a few factors that can contribute to morning breath. These include certain foods that are absorbed into the bloodstream and exhaled through the lungs — some of the most common culprits include garlic, spices, and onions.
A dry mouth can also cause morning breath. Saliva plays an important part in keeping the mouth clean and free from certain bacteria, so when the mouth is dry, bad bacteria may thrive. If you snore at night or tend to sleep with your mouth open, you may find that you often wake up with a dry mouth and bad breath.
Poor oral hygiene is also a major contributing factor when it comes to morning breath. If plaque and food particles are not removed with regular brushing and flossing, you are likely to experience bad breath.
How can you prevent morning breath?
Fortunately, morning breath can often be resolved in a few simple ways. You might find it helpful to stay hydrated by drinking some water before you go to bed at night. You can also keep a glass of water next to your bed to quench your thirst at night.
If you suspect that your dietary choices are contributing to morning breath, you might consider limiting your consumption of strong-smelling foods like garlic and onions. You can also avoid drinks that tend to dry out your mouth, such as coffee and alcohol.
How can you resolve morning breath?
If you find yourself waking up with bad breath in the morning, try to brush your teeth soon after you get up. It will help freshen up your mouth and ensure you start the day with clean teeth. You might also consider using a mouthwash with antiseptic properties.
If you are not able to brush your teeth immediately, you can chew on some sugar-free gum. It will help promote the production of saliva and wash away foul-smelling bacteria.
If you are still concerned about bad breath even after improving your oral hygiene and making the necessary diet and lifestyle changes, it is a good idea to consult your dentist. Chronic bad breath can be a sign of an underlying health issue.
How can we help?
At Crookes & Jenkins Dental, we encourage our patients to practise proper oral hygiene habits and to come in and see us for regular check-ups and cleans. When you come in and see us for routine appointments, we can help keep your oral health on track and address any questions or concerns you might have. If you are worried about an issue such as bad breath, please don’t hesitate to arrange a consultation so that we can determine the cause of the problem and let you know the best possible course of action.
We offer a comprehensive range of preventative, cosmetic, and restorative treatments — to find out more about our services, please have a look here.
To book an appointment to see us, please contact us here or give us a call at 07 3367 1122.
Don’t forget to share this via Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and LinkedIn.
