MORNING BREATH -
WHY IT HAPPENS AND HOW TO FIX IT
We’ve all been there — you wake up, stretch, and then… realise your breath isn’t exactly minty fresh 😬.
Morning breath (or “halitosis” if we’re being fancy) is one of those universal experiences that no one loves to talk about, but everyone deals with.
The good news? There are some simple reasons it happens — and even better ways to prevent it.
Morning breath (or “halitosis” if we’re being fancy) is one of those universal experiences that no one loves to talk about, but everyone deals with.
The good news? There are some simple reasons it happens — and even better ways to prevent it.
WHY DO WE GET MORNING BREATH?
When we sleep, our mouth produces less saliva.
Saliva is nature’s mouthwash — it washes away bacteria, food particles and dead cells.
With less saliva overnight, bacteria have a little party in your mouth, breaking down leftover food particles and releasing smelly sulphur compounds (the main culprits of that “morning mouth” smell).
Other things can make morning breath worse:
🦷 Mouth breathing or snoring – dries your mouth out faster
🦷 Poor oral hygiene – bacteria build up on teeth, gums, and the tongue
🦷 Certain foods – garlic, onions, and coffee can linger overnight
🦷 Smoking – reduces saliva flow and leaves an odour of its own
🦷 Medical conditions – like sinus infections or reflux can also play a part
Saliva is nature’s mouthwash — it washes away bacteria, food particles and dead cells.
With less saliva overnight, bacteria have a little party in your mouth, breaking down leftover food particles and releasing smelly sulphur compounds (the main culprits of that “morning mouth” smell).
Other things can make morning breath worse:
🦷 Mouth breathing or snoring – dries your mouth out faster
🦷 Poor oral hygiene – bacteria build up on teeth, gums, and the tongue
🦷 Certain foods – garlic, onions, and coffee can linger overnight
🦷 Smoking – reduces saliva flow and leaves an odour of its own
🦷 Medical conditions – like sinus infections or reflux can also play a part
HOW TO TREAT MORNING BREATH
If you’ve woken up with less-than-fresh breath, here’s what you can do:
🦷 Brush your teeth and tongue first thing in the morning (don’t forget to brush before bed too!).
🦷 Brush your teeth and tongue first thing in the morning (don’t forget to brush before bed too!).
🦷 Floss daily – food stuck between teeth can feed odour-causing bacteria.
🦷 Use a mouthwash – choose one that fights bacteria, not just masks smells.
🦷 Drink water – staying hydrated keeps saliva flowing and bacteria under control.
🦷 Eat breakfast – chewing food boosts saliva production naturally.
🦷 Use a mouthwash – choose one that fights bacteria, not just masks smells.
🦷 Drink water – staying hydrated keeps saliva flowing and bacteria under control.
🦷 Eat breakfast – chewing food boosts saliva production naturally.
HOW TO PREVENT MORNING BREATH
With a few easy habits, you can wake up feeling fresher every day:
🦷 Brush before bed – cleaning off food and plaque before you sleep is key.
🦷 Clean your tongue – a tongue scraper or toothbrush can remove bacteria hiding there.
🦷 Avoid smoking – your mouth (and your dentist!) will thank you.
🦷 Limit strong-smelling foods at night – especially garlic and onions.
🦷 Stay hydrated throughout the day – saliva is your best defence.
🦷 Check your dental health – gum disease or untreated decay can make bad breath worse.
🦷 Brush before bed – cleaning off food and plaque before you sleep is key.
🦷 Clean your tongue – a tongue scraper or toothbrush can remove bacteria hiding there.
🦷 Avoid smoking – your mouth (and your dentist!) will thank you.
🦷 Limit strong-smelling foods at night – especially garlic and onions.
🦷 Stay hydrated throughout the day – saliva is your best defence.
🦷 Check your dental health – gum disease or untreated decay can make bad breath worse.
WHEN TO SEE YOUR DENTIST
If your morning breath doesn’t seem to go away, even with good hygiene, it’s worth chatting with your dentist.
Persistent bad breath can sometimes be a sign of gum disease, decay, or other health issues that need a closer look.
Persistent bad breath can sometimes be a sign of gum disease, decay, or other health issues that need a closer look.
At Clubb Dental, we can help you find the cause and give your mouth a fresh start.
A simple check-up and clean can make a big difference!
A simple check-up and clean can make a big difference!
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