What Causes Bad Morning Breath
Almost everyone suffers from morning bad breath to some degree. When we sleep, saliva production decreases giving room for bacteria (always present in the mouth) to break down the food particles stuck in the gum and teeth. This causes the production of chemicals and a foul smell, and that’s normal. Plus, bad breath is temporary as it clears up once your brush and floss.
At what point does bad breath become problematic and what are its causes?
What Are the Causes of Halitosis?
Breakdown of food is the common cause for the foul smell in the morning, but other causes include;
- Poor oral hygiene
The mouth is a breeding place for bacterial growth, and failure to brush effectively leads to plaque buildup. Plaques not only cause bad breath but also lead to periodontal disease and worse still tooth decay. Dentists usually recommend brushing before bed to remove the food particles stuck in your teeth, especially the molars.
You will notice an improvement in your morning breath when you brush and floss the night before.
- Dry mouth
Dry mouth or Xerostomia is a cause of bad breath. Saliva helps to eliminate bacteria as well as cleanse off the food particles. People with dry mouth have a higher risk of developing halitosis because of bacterial activity.
Dry mouth is a symptom of various conditions such as snoring, medication, side effects of certain diseases, nerve damage, dehydration, and lifestyle habits like smoking and chewing tobacco.
- Food and beverages
The food we eat affects not only our health but also our breath. Food is absorbed into the bloodstream and finds its way into the lungs affecting the air we exhale.
Although brushing can clean off the food particles, it will not get rid of the food content. The best way is to avoid or eat in moderation foods such as garlic, onion, cheese, alcohol, and certain spices.People who diet are also at risk of halitosis.
- GERD
Acid reflux disease can cause bad breath when the stomach contents flow back to the esophagus. Furthermore, the acid causes tooth erosion and a burning sensation in the throat which can cause damage and allow certain bacteria to grow.
- Periodontal disease
Chronic bad breath or sour taste could be a sign of periodontal or gum disease. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque buildup. Poor oral hygiene leaves food particles in the gums, causing bacteria to multiply and irritate the gums.
Professional teeth cleaning is a suitable treatment of choice to get rid of plaques. If you notice swollen, red, and bleeding gums, it could be a sign of gum disease. So, call our dentist in Phoenix, AZ for an assessment and deep cleaning.
- Health problems
Bad breath could also be caused by underlying conditions such as sinus infections, diabetes, chronic lung infection, liver and kidney disease.
Treatment and Diagnosis of Bad Breath
Diagnosis of bad breath is straightforward—the dentist will smell your mouth, tongue, and nose. They may ask you to come for your appointment before you brush for a correct diagnosis. If the bad breath is not caused by a dental problem, then they may ask you to visit your family doctor.
Changing your oral habits is the best treatment of choice. However, deep teeth cleaning can be done to clear out the plaques. Treating the underlying conditions is also crucial not only for your dental health but also for overall health.
Several halitosis kits are available in the market but don’t use them until you consult a dentist near you for advice.
How Can You Prevent Bad Breath?
- Brush your teeth, gums, and tongue before you go to bed with a fluoride toothpaste
- Change your food and drinks
- Limit sugar intake as bacteria feed off it
- Use antiseptic mouthwash
- Clean your braces, retainers, and dentures properly
Make Correct Choices
Make regular dental checkups at least twice a year to stay ahead of any dental problems. Apart from the standard dental assessments, our dentist 85018 will also do professional cleaning, thereby removing plaques and reducing your chance of periodontal disease.