Morning breath is probably your least favorite part of waking up, and it’s definitely the first thing you taste in the morning, so wouldn’t you like to control it? Of course you would! Stinky morning breath is very common.
According to the ADA, approximately 50% of adults experience bad morning breath. The good news is, this problem can be treated. Knowing what causes stinky morning breath and how you can get rid of it can help you feel better about your oral hygiene.
Possible Causes of Morning Breath
There are many possible causes of morning breath. See below, the most frequent reasons people experience this problem:
- Poor oral hygiene. This should go without saying, but if you’re not brushing, flossing, and rinsing regularly then you’re at risk for a very unpleasant problem. Just a small change in your oral hygiene routine may be able to improve your breath!
- Dry mouth. Saliva helps rid the mouth of bacteria. If you’re someone who struggles with a dry mouth, you may lack the saliva necessary to kill the germs in your mouth. This means that your mouth has become a breeding ground for smelly bacteria, and they’re probably growing in your mouth overnight. Dry mouth can be caused by certain medications and medical conditions, and by smoking.
- Food and drink. What you eat for dinner can play a large role in the way your breath smells in the morning. The food you eat leaves particles in your mouth, which can cause smells if you haven’t brushed your teeth well. Onions, garlic, and coffee are the chief culprits. Foods like garlic and onions are also absorbed into your bloodstream, where they are eventually transferred to your lungs, and then the odor is exhaled.
- Tobacco and alcohol use. Tobacco and alcohol use can cause dry mouth, which can lead to bad breath (as described above).
- Tooth decay. Tooth decay happens because of bacteria, which can lead to a bad smell in your breath.
How to Treat or Prevent Stinky Morning Breath
Before you can treat morning breath, you’ll have to find out what’s causing it. Since there may be more than one cause, consult with a dentist to get a diagnosis. Once you’ve found the cause of your morning breath, you can start treating it.
- Improve your current oral hygiene habits. If your oral hygiene routine is lacking, then brushing, flossing, and rinsing twice a day should get rid of symptoms.
- Tongue scraper. 85% of your bad breath is coming from the back of your tongue. Using a tongue scraper can get rid of the bacteria in your mouth.
- Quitting smoking. It is a fact that smoking negatively impacts your oral health, so limiting or eradicating this habit will help get rid of that morning breath.
- Drink more water. Drinking more water will help keep your mouth hydrated, which can help with dry mouth. Having one or two glasses before bed and when you wake up will help with that.
If none of these tips help treat your morning breath, then there could be an underlying medical condition that’s causing your problem. Diabetes, sinusitis, bronchitis, fungal infections, tonsillitis and problems like liver and kidney disease can also cause bad breath. If your dentist is unable to discover the source of your problem, consider talking to your doctor to find out if a condition or medication you’re taking could be the cause.
Worried About Your Dental Health? Contact Triangle Dentistry Raleigh
The professionals at Triangle Dentistry Raleigh are ready to help with bad breath and other oral-hygiene problems. We can diagnose problems like tooth decay and gingivitis, which can cause bad breath. We can also help you evaluate your oral hygiene routine, and help you develop better oral hygiene habits. For more information about how you can improve your dental health and get rid of bad breath, call today to make an appointment.
Triangle Dentistry, located in Raleigh, NC, provides a state-of-the-art facility that offers exceptional general dental and specialty services guided by empathy of a patient’s needs and desires. Services range from dental crowns to veneers and whitening procedures. For further information, questions, or to schedule an appointment, contact the office at (919) 847-6000