Everybody knows that feeling of waking up in the morning, groggy and unrested, only to be met with a putrid smell coming from your own mouth. While morning breath is totally normal, it can still be really embarrassing—not to mention, a major turnoff for anyone you happen to wake up next to. If you're looking for ways to eliminate morning breath, read on. We'll tell you what causes it and how you can get rid of it for good.
What Causes Morning Breath?
The medical term for morning breath is " halitosis," but most of us know it by its more common name—bad breath. No matter what you call it, though, bad breath is never any fun. So, what causes that post-sleep stench? Well, there are a few different things that can contribute:
Dry mouth: When you sleep, your body produces less saliva. This lack of moisture leads to a build-up of bacteria in your mouth, which then causes bad breath.
Food: If you eat foods with strong odors before bed (think garlic or onions), that odor can linger in your mouth overnight and cause morning breath.
Tobacco products: Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco can also cause bad breath. Not only does the smell of tobacco contribute to bad breath, but it also decreases saliva production (which we already know leads to dry mouth and bacteria build-up).
Poor dental hygiene: If you don't brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth. This can lead to gum disease, which is another common cause of bad breath.
While morning breath is totally normal and nothing to be ashamed of, we know that doesn't make it any less embarrassing—or any less difficult to deal with when you've got someone special sleeping next to you. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to get rid of morning breath quickly and easily:
Brush and floss your teeth: This one should go without saying, but brushing and flossing regularly is the best way to prevent morning breath. Be sure to brush your tongue, too! Scraping off that extra bacteria will help freshen your breath noticeably.
Drink lots of water: Keeping yourself hydrated will help keep your mouth from getting too dry overnight. Drinking water first thing in the morning will also help flush out any lingering bacteria in your mouth. Bonus points if you add a little mint or lemon for extra freshness!
Chew sugarless gum or mints: If you don't have time for a full brush before heading out the door, chewing gum or sucking on mints can help mask the odor of morning breath. Just be sure to choose sugarless options so you don't end up doing more harm than good by promoting tooth decay.
Morning breath is totally normal—but that doesn't make it any less embarrassing. Luckily, there are a few simple things you can do to cure morning breath quickly and easily. By following the tips above, you'll be able to say goodbye to bad breath for good!
Using the right toothpaste can also help to make your morning smile more attractive and less offensive. Click the link below to find out which toothpastes are best for getting rid of morning breath. Thanks for reading and happy smiles!
