In spite of religiously brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash, you still wake each morning with breath so foul even the dog turns his head. Are you raiding the fridge in the middle of the night while sleepwalking? Or do you have a serious dental problem that needs immediate attention? The answer to both questions is probably NO…some people just seem to have a worse time with morning breath than others. Even in spite of meticulous oral hygiene, there are certain foods which only time can erase their taste and smell. After enjoying pungent foods and beverages including onions, garlic, tuna fish, kombucha and even coffee, before bed you brush not once but twice, carefully floss and then gargle with a strong mouthwash but still have that “taste” in your mouth. When this occurs, chances are pretty good you’re going to wake up with a strong case of “morning breath.” This is because many of the foods we consume release sulfur molecules called mercaptans. When these molecules mix with the bacteria in your mouth and digestive system, the sulfuric compounds break down, causing that noxious odor.

If you don’t believe your diet is to blame for your morning breath then you need to determine if you snore, are a mouth-breather or if you take medications which list dry mouth as a side effect. Anytime there is a decrease of saliva, the mouth becomes the perfect setting for growing unpleasant odiferous bacteria.

Both oral and physical health can also play a factor but generally this type of bad breath is constant, not just upon wakening. Everything from a cracked filling to an undetected cavity may cause unpleasant mouth odor. Certain medical conditions that will cause chronic halitosis include acid reflux and respiratory infections.

Need help getting your morning breath under control? Please call Ellis Dental today at 314.965.1334 to schedule an appointment. We’ll check for underlying oral health concerns along with making sure you are brushing and flossing correctly.