Feel like your mouth wakes up on the wrong side of the bed some mornings? You’re not alone. Most everyone suffers from some form of bad breath in the mornings. The biggest reason for this is dry mouth.
As you sleep, your mouth produces less saliva. Saliva is what your body needs to get rid of bacteria that trigger bad breath. Without saliva, your mouth becomes a breeding ground for bacteria which not only leads to bad breath, but can also lead to tooth decay and gum problems.
So what can you do about bad breath in the morning? Here are a few tips.
- Drink water before you go to bed and throughout the night.
- Commit to a pre-bedtime brushing and flossing ritual being sure to get the back of your mouth and your tongue.
- Avoid certain foods. Coffee and fragrant foods such as garlic and onion the night before can make bad breath worse in the morning.
- Use mouthwash
- Limit tobacco and alcohol use.
In addition to following these pre-bedtime steps, be sure to practice good oral hygiene and drink plenty of water throughout the day. And, of course, schedule regular appointments to come visit Jackson Dental. Give us a call today at 573-243-5200 to schedule your next appointment.