Morning breath
Morning breath, commonly referred to as "halitosis," is a typical occurrence that many people have when they first get up. It is distinguished by an offensive odour coming from the mouth. The problem is mostly brought on by the diminished salivary flow that occurs when you sleep, which promotes the growth of bacteria in your mouth.
Saliva is essential for maintaining oral hygiene because it removes bacteria and food particles that can lead to poor breath. Saliva production falls off while you sleep, allowing bacteria to grow and emit volatile sulphur compounds that give your breath a bad smell in the morning.
Morning breath intensity can be influenced by a number of circumstances, including:
1. Poor oral hygiene: Bad breath is caused by inadequate brushing and flossing, which allows bacteria to build up in the mouth.
2. Dry mouth: Some medications, mouth breathing while sleeping, or diseases like sleep apnea can cause a dry mouth, which makes morning breath worse.
3. Diet: Consuming pungent foods like onions and garlic might exacerbate foul breath.
4. Smoking: Tobacco products can contribute to persistent bad breath and leave a lingering odour in the mouth.
Consider the following advice to avoid morning breath and keep your breath fresh all day:
1. Brush your teeth: Use fluoride toothpaste to give your teeth a thorough two-minute brushing. Keep an eye on your tongue because it can harbour bacteria.
2. Use dental floss every day to remove debris from in between your teeth, where bacteria can hide.
3. Use mouthwash to destroy bacteria and freshen your breath. Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash.
4. Maintain hydration: Having water throughout the day keeps your mouth moist and encourages salivation.
5. Abstain from using tobacco: Giving up smoking or using other tobacco products will greatly enhance your breath.
6. Remove microorganisms from the surface of your tongue by gently cleaning it with a tongue scraper or a toothbrush.
7. Regular dental checkups: Professional teeth cleanings and routine dental exams can help identify and treat any oral health problems that may be causing bad breath.
It may be helpful to speak with a dentist or healthcare provider if you maintain adequate oral hygiene but still have recurrent bad breath. They can evaluate your entire oral health and offer you individualised treatment recommendations.