Is Morning Breath A Must?

Even when you brush, floss, and gargle at night before going to sleep you wake up with some semblance of morning breath. It’s pretty much a given. Morning breath is a result of natural processes that take place while you sleep. Read on to find out if morning breath is a must and some of the reasons behind it.

Bacteria

Your mouth is rife with bacteria. There are good bacteria and bad bacteria. Bad bacteria are the bacteria that cause decay, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and…yes, morning breath. What happens is that at night your saliva flow decreases, leading to dry mouth. Anaerobic bacteria flourish in dry mouths. These bacteria feed on proteins in your mouth and produce sulfur, a foul-smelling gas that we call bad breath.No one can get away without having some degree of morning breath. Other factors that contribute to morning breath include:

Smoking: Smoking leaves tobacco residue on your teeth and in between your teeth for bacteria to feed on.  It also raises the temperature of your mouth and dries up your saliva. A hot, dry mouth is an ideal breeding ground for anaerobic bacteria.

Colds and Allergies: Colds and allergies cause mucus to drip downward from the back of your nose and accumulate in your throat at night. This provides another food source for putrefying (odor-causing) bacteria. As bacteria feed they multiply causing you to wake with morning breath.

Medications: As people age they can develop chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Medications to help control these health issues can cause your mouth to dry out overnight leading to bad breath in the morning.

About Your Reno Dentists

Dr. William Wager, Dr. Brian Evans, and our highly experienced team at Wager Evans Dental are devoted to our patients and their families, and dedicated to providing first-rate dental care in a comfortable, inviting environment. Located in Reno, we proudly welcome residents from Spanish Springs, Sparks, Incline Village, Dayton, Fernley, and all surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation or your next dental appointment, visit our office, or contact us today by calling (775) 800-4845.