Why Do We Have Morning Breath?

Morning breath – we’ve all had it. You wake up and hold your breath as you kiss your partner good morning, hoping you somehow managed to save them from the less then appealing smell that has developed overnight. Have you ever wondered why this happens? The answer is more simple than you may have guessed.

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is more likely to occur in the morning because your mouth dries up while you sleep throughout the night. This dry environment breeds odor-producing bacteria that causes bad breath. Individuals who snore or are “mouth breathers” are more likely to have dry mouth, leading to worse breath.

Certain medications can increase dry mouth, resulting in worse smelling morning breath. This often occurs to elderly folk. Smokers also experience this issue since tobacco reduces saliva production and increases your mouth’s natural temperature, making it an even better environment for the odor-producing bacteria to grow.

Preventing bad breath is simple. Be sure to avoid eating after brushing your teeth before bed. Brush for a full 2 minutes and be sure to scrape your tongue as well. Dentists agree that the majority of halitosis symptoms come from bacteria on the back of your tongue. And lastly, brushing is not enough, be sure to floss in between your teeth to rid your mouth of any additional bacteria.

If you have any questions regarding bad breath, feel free to give our Brooklyn Heights office a call to set up an appointment with one of our wonderful doctors.