A doctor explains why morning breath smells so bad and how to fix it

We all know how important it is to brush our teeth when we wake up. In addition to practicing good hygiene and helping to keep our teeth in tip-top condition, it also helps eliminate the bad morning breath we all experience when we first wake up.

It’s a problem we all face, but some of us have it worse than others. According to one dentist, there are some scientific reasons why your breath might smell worse in the morning than your partner’s breath, and luckily, that also means you can find ways to help.

Dr. Richard Marques says the most common causes of morning bad breath include poor oral hygiene, dehydration, eating foods or liquids with strong odors, and a dry mouth.

He said the most common factor causing morning bad breath is dry mouth, which can be caused by “sleeping with your mouth open”. This is because the saliva in your mouth dries out and allows bacteria to “stick to your teeth and gums” instead of being washed away, meaning your breath smells worse when you wake up.

If you wake up with bad breath, there are ways to combat each potential cause, including using a decongestant to help you breathe through your nose at night instead of through your mouth. Dr. Marques also says dental tools like tongue scrapers can prevent bacteria buildup and “keep your tongue clean.”

Staying hydrated and eating a healthy, balanced diet can also “reduce the risk” of bad morning breath while maintaining a “good level of oral hygiene” is also essential.

This means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing regularly, and using mouthwash. The dentist adds: “If bad breath persists and persists throughout the morning for several weeks, it could be a sign of health problems that require medical attention, such as dental problems or gums, possibly gum disease or tooth decay, and seeing your dentist regularly can help keep problems undetected and prevent bad breath in the long run.