The truth about morning breath – and 7 simple ways to combat the stench
HAVING morning breath is a horrible way to start the day and is all the worse if you suffer from it regularly.
Bad breath — known medically as halitosis — can be caused by a range of things, and can be a symptom of some far worse conditions.
Thankfully, there are several ways you can combat the nasty affliction.
Dr Ferakh Hamid, of , told The Sun: “Bad breath, or halitosis, isn't just about what we eat.
“It’s often caused by poor oral hygiene - when food particles linger, bacteria build up into plaque, leading to bad breath.
“It can also signal more serious dental issues like cavities or gum disease.”
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1. Dry mouth
One of the reasons you get bad breath in the morning is because your mouth may have dried out overnight.
Dr Safia Debar, GP Executive Health at in London, told The Sun: "Dry mouth can result from reduced saliva flow.
"Saliva helps neutralise acids, bacteria and maintain a healthy pH. If we have less saliva or if it doesn’t do its job then bacteria can multiply and produce bad smelling compounds."
2. The food we eat
Your diet also plays a big role in bad breath.
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Dr Hamid said: “Certain items like garlic andy onions contain chemicals affecting our breath and skin.
“Garlic is another food known to cause bad breath, and it can be smelled from our mouth and skin.
“Dairy products, a lesser-known cause of bad breath, feed the naturally occurring bacteria on your tongue which produce foul odours.”
3. Poor dental hygiene
Morning breath can also be a sign you’re not looking after your teeth well enough, Dr Hamid said.
Dr Debar added: " This will affect the oral microbiome.
"Poor dental hygiene means build-up of plaque, persistence of food particles between the teeth, and tongue coating which essentially changes the bacterial environment of the mouth.
"This promotes overgrowth of bacteria, which would otherwise be neutralised, which can then cause bad breath."
4. Gum disease
Poor dental hygiene can lead to gum disease, which makes morning breath worse.
Dr Hamid said: “When we don't brush our teeth well, we get plaque buildup.
“Not removing this plaque by brushing and flossing can cause it to go below the gum line and cause infections, which not only causes damage to our teeth structure but also leads to bad breath from the bacteria involved.”
5. Mouth infections
Bacteria in your mouth can get worse if you have sore or wounds that become infected.
Dr Hamid said: “Surgical wounds, tooth decay, gum disease, or mouth sores can all cause bad breath.
“These conditions create additional places for bacteria to hide and increase.”
6. Mouth, nose and throat conditions
Other issues in your mouth and nose can also make your bad breath worse.
Dr Hamid said: “Other conditions like tonsil stones, infections, or constant postnasal drip can significantly worsen your bad breath.
“The bacteria covering tonsil stones and the fluid from postnasal drip are rich in odour-causing compounds.”
7. Medical causes
Regular morning breath could also be a sign of a serious condition like cancer, Dr Hamid warned.
He said: “Diseases like lung or stomach cancer or other serious conditions like metabolic disorders can lead to distinctive breath odours.
“Regular heartburn, often a sign of acid reflux disease, can also contribute to halitosis.”
HOW TO GET RID OF MORNING BREATH
1. Brush and floss better
The easiest way to combat bad breath in the morning is to improve your tooth brushing and flossing routine.
Dr Hamid said: “A thorough oral care routine is important for getting rid of morning breath.
“Regular brushing for two minutes before bed, flossing and using an antiseptic mouth rinse can significantly reduce the bacteria responsible for bad breath, ensuring your mouth stays fresh.
“Maintaining good oral hygiene regularly is necessary to treat and prevent morning breath.”
2. Use tongue scrapers
If you want to take your oral hygiene up an extra level, medics recommend using interdental cleaners and tongue scrapers to remove more bacteria.
Dr Debar said: "Scraping the tongue can remove bacterial build up, small food particles and also stimulate saliva production which
means it can enhance cleaning of the mouth by washing away and neutralising food particles and bacteria."
3. Quit smoking
Smokers should also quit the habit to reduce their risk of halitosis, as well as a range of other deadly illnesses.
Dr Hamid said: “Eliminating smoking from your daily habits can instantly improve your oral health and morning breath.
“Tobacco not only leads to dry mouth but also heightens the risk of gum disease.
“Giving up tobacco can enhance your breath, day and night, showcasing one of the immediate benefits of quitting.”
4. Stay hydrated
Keeping yourself hydrated is also vital in staving off the issue.
Dr Hamid said: “Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is a big part of preventing dry mouth and the subsequent bad breath.
“Water boosts saliva production, helping to wash away bacteria and food particles. Staying hydrated is a simple yet effective strategy against morning breath."
5. Eat throughout the day
How you eat throughout the day can improve your symptoms as well.
Dr Hamid said: “Eating breakfast and regular meals throughout the day helps to stimulate saliva production, which reduces bad breath.
“Crunchy fruits and vegetables, or sugar-free gum, can also create extra saliva.
“Avoiding strong-smelling foods at night like garlic or onions, and limiting coffee intake after the afternoon helps better breath.
“A healthy, well-balanced diet not only supports overall health but can also reduce morning breath.”
6. Consider sprays and gels
If you need a quick fix to bad breath issues, some sprays or gels can help, according to Dr Hamid.
Dr Debar added: " These can mask odours but not necessarily address the root issue.
"Chewing gum can help remove food particles and stimulate saliva but if they contain sugar this may be counterproductive.
"In the case of dry mouth, artificial saliva and gels can help moisturise the mouth, however it is important to investigate the root cause.
";It is often multifactorial, and treatment and exploration of the root cause is the most important intervention."
7. Consult a professional
Finally, if none of those steps work you should consider talking to a doctor or dentist.
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Dr Hamid said: “If your morning breath persists despite following these steps, consulting a dental professional is advisable.
“They can provide a professional cleaning and recommend additional treatments tailored to your needs, ensuring comprehensive care for your oral health.”
How to brush your teeth
Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for about 2 minutes to help keep your teeth and mouth healthy.
Plaque is a film of bacteria that coats your teeth if you don't brush them properly. It contributes to gum disease and tooth decay.
Tooth brushing stops plaque building up. Try to make sure you clean every surface of all your teeth.
Brush your teeth for about 2 minutes last thing before you go to bed and on 1 other occasion every day.
Your dentist or hygienist may give you more advice based on your own dental health and needs.
It doesn't matter whether you use an electric or manual toothbrush.
They're both equally good, as long as you clean all the surfaces of all your teeth and you use fluoride toothpaste.
But some people find it easier to clean their teeth thoroughly with an electric toothbrush.
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