Blog

Morning Breath: What It Is And Why You Have It

Morning Breath: What It Is And Why You Have It

You wake in the morning from a deep slumber and the first thought that runs through your mind is: How bad does my breath smell? If you sleep next to a partner, you may quickly cover your mouth before speaking to them. It’s imperative to shield them from that powerful, unpleasant aroma, unless they are into that sort of thing.

Everyone has morning breath to a certain degree, according to periodontists. While you sleep, the mouth dries out and odor-producing bacteria proliferate. The mouth dries out because the normal saliva flow decreases when you are asleep. If you snore or breathe through your mouth while sleeping, there’s a higher chance of having bad breath, when compared to those who breathe through their noses. No matter how you breathe when you sleep, the mouth is prone to dryness and bacterial growth.

The lack of saliva flow may not seem like an issue, but it is. Saliva works to clear out food particles that fuel odor-producing bacteria in the mouth. When there is less saliva in the mouth, the bacteria capitalize. That’s why mouth dryness is the leading cause of bad breath, and more specifically morning breath. 

Causes Of Bad Breath

Mouth dryness isn’t the only culprit. There are other causes that contribute to bad breath, or halitosis, but it depends on the person. Certain medications may increase mouth dryness over night, which worsens bad breath. Older people who take more medications tend to experience worse breath upon waking up in the morning. 

It’s also common for cigarette smokers to have worse breath in the morning. Not only does smoking dry up saliva, but it also increases the temperature of the mouth. This combination makes the mouth the perfect breeding ground for bacteria that make your breath smell foul. If that isn’t on your list of reasons to quit smoking, it should be. 

Lastly, it’s very possible for allergies to cause bad breath. People with seasonal allergies commonly experience postnasal drip, which involves mucus dripping down the back of the throat. This mucus becomes a food source for bacteria. Postnasal drip that gets infected will only increase the presence of odor-causing bacteria in the mouth. 

Can You Treat Bad Breath?

There are ways to reduce the effects of morning breath, one of the primary of which is practicing proper oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing before bed helps to get rid of pockets of food that are magnets for bacteria. It’s also beneficial to clean the tongue in the morning to remove any bacteria that accumulate overnight. In order to clean the tongue properly, you’ll need to invest in a tongue scraper, a toothbrush with soft bristles, or even a spoon. 

If the tongue is pink and shiny, it is not harboring a lot of bacteria. If you notice a white film on the tongue, however, it does have bacteria and you probably have bad breath. Want confirmation of that odor? Lick your clean wrist, allow it to dry, and then smell it. You can get rid of the white film by using a tongue scraper or spoon, or simply brushing the tongue with a soft-bristled toothbrush. 

This may be a more unconventional approach, but gargling with baking soda before bed may reduce the likelihood of foul morning breath. Dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda in one cup of water and gargle it for one minute. This is completely safe and helps establish and alkaline environment in the mouth, which helps to kill bacteria. 

  • You may also like

    • Dherbs Full Body Cleanse as featured on Steve Harvey
    • Enter to Win $100 Gift Voucher

    Sales & Specials

    Blue Tight
    Blue Tight
    -50%
    $17.97

    Blue Tight

    Say hello to your new favorite pair of body-flattering leggings that give you a smooth silhouette and allow for full range of motion.
    Grey Hoodie
    Grey Hoodie
    -50%
    $19.97

    Grey Hoodie

    A stylish and comfortable athletic grey hoodie, perfect for layering, casual wear, or light workouts.
    Heather Grey Tight
    Heather Grey Tight
    -50%
    $17.97

    Heather Grey Tight

    The heather grey leggings offer a comfortable, form-fitting design perfect for both activewear and casual outfits. Body-flattering leggings that give you a smooth silhouette and allow for full range of motion.
    Black Hoodie
    Black Hoodie
    -50%
    $19.97

    Black Hoodie

    Stay stylish and comfortable with this black crop top hoodie, a versatile and lightweight cropped athletic hoodie designed for casual wear and active lifestyles.
    Heather Grey Shirt V-neck
    Heather Grey Shirt V-neck
    -50%
    $9.97

    Heather Grey Shirt V-neck

    The heather grey V-neck T-shirt - a lightweight, breathable shirt which offers a perfect blend of comfort and style, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe.
    Blue Sleeve Shirt V-neck
    Blue Sleeve Shirt V-neck
    -50%
    $9.97

    Blue Sleeve Shirt V-neck

    Feel relaxed and at ease when you put on this lightweight, breathable shirt that is built for all-day comfort.
    Black Sleeve Shirt V-neck
    Black Sleeve Shirt V-neck
    -50%
    $9.97

    Black Sleeve Shirt V-neck

    Feel relaxed and at ease when you put on this lightweight, breathable shirt that is built for all-day comfort.
    Black Tight
    Black Tight
    -50%
    $17.97

    Black Tight

    Dherbs' black activewear leggings give you a smooth silhouette and allow for full range of motion.
    Refer A Friend give 15%
    get $20
    Advisor