Morning breath is one of the most frustrating – and can be one of the most embarrassing – parts of waking up in the morning. At Ideal Dental, our dental professionals commonly get asked whether morning breath is normal and what can be done about it.
The answer is yes, morning breath is a normal part of most people’s lives. However, there are things you can do to minimize the effects of morning breath. Here’s what you need to know to keep your breath smelling as fresh and pleasant as possible when you wake up.
What Causes Morning Breath?
Saliva does more than keep our mouth moist – it also helps fight bacteria. Unfortunately, saliva production slows down at night. This allows bacteria to build up in your mouth, which can lead to unpleasant odors. If you happen to breathe through your mouth while asleep, this dries your mouth out more and leads to an excess of odor-causing bacteria inside your mouth.
What Can You Do to Get Rid of Morning Breath?
For most people, getting rid of morning breath is easy! Simply brush your teeth. You may also use mouthwash, although mouthwash should not be used as a substitute for brushing.
It also helps to see your dentist on a regular basis for checkups. Your dentist will keep your teeth clean and can help control bacteria buildup in your mouth. Most dentists recommend patients come back every six months for cleanings. Find out how often your dentist recommends cleanings, and follow the schedule.
Can Anything Be Done to Prevent Morning Breath?
For most people, morning breath is a fact of life. However, you can control the severity of your morning breath by taking steps to control your oral hygiene. Some suggestions:
Combat Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a problem that some people face because they don’t hydrate well throughout the day. Other people experience dry mouth because of medications they’re taking. If you smoke, you may also suffer from dry mouth. Taking steps to combat dry mouth will help control your morning breath. Talk to your dentist to find out what can be done about your dry mouth.
Brush Your Tongue
Like the gums and teeth, the tongue is another part of the mouth that harbors bacteria. Brushing your tongue daily can help slow bacteria buildup at night, which can keep your breath smelling fresher longer.
Eat Crunchy Fruits and Veggies in the Morning
Crunchy fruits and veggies stimulate the production of saliva, which can help control the bacteria in your mouth. Make a habit of including these foods in your diet.
Worried Your Bad Breath Isn’t Normal? Call Your Dental Professional Today
Some bad breath isn’t normal, and shouldn’t be ignored. Chronic bad breath can be a sign of an infection, gum disease, or other problems. Working with your dentist can help. To find out what might be causing your bad breath, make an appointment with your dentist at Ideal Dentist. Find your local Ideal Dental office to get started today.