Quck answer
Bad breath in the morning, also known as “morning breath,” is common and can be caused by several factors. During sleep, saliva production decreases, allowing bacteria to grow in the mouth, leading to a foul odor. Additionally, the mouth becomes dry, creating an environment for bacteria to thrive. Poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing or flossing before bed, can also contribute to bad breath. Certain foods, like garlic and onions, can leave an unpleasant smell on the breath. To combat morning breath, it is important to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash regularly.
It is known by various names: “kitty breath,” “puppy breath,” “dragon breath,” and even “morning mouth stink.” Regardless of the term used, most people experience bad breath in the morning at some point in time.
The medical term for this is “halitosis,” but it is commonly referred to as “bad breath.” Some individuals have frequent episodes of bad breath, while others rarely experience it.
Foods such as garlic, onions, meat, fish, and cheese are known to cause bad breath. Additionally, medical conditions like obesity and lifestyle choices such as smoking and alcohol consumption can also lead to bad breath.
Even if you lead a healthy lifestyle and avoid foods that cause halitosis, you may still wake up with unpleasant breath in the morning, even if you brushed your teeth the night before. This is commonly referred to as “morning breath.” Morning breath is not uncommon, and there are a few reasons why you may wake up feeling less than fresh.
If your doctor has ever prescribed antibiotics for you, you are probably familiar with bacteria. Some bacteria, known as “pathogenic bacteria,” can make us very ill. These are the types of bacteria that we combat with medication.
However, there are other bacteria that are beneficial and essential for our survival. These bacteria reside permanently in various parts of our bodies. They aid in digestion and protect us from harmful bacteria. Good bacteria can be found in our intestines, on our skin, and in our mouth.
Oral bacteria contribute to morning breath. The helpful bacteria that reside in our saliva and mouth feed on food particles that are trapped between our cheeks, teeth, and gums. During the night, bacteria become trapped in our mouth. As they feed, they produce gas and cause the decomposing food particles to emit an unpleasant odor.
Dry mouth is another factor that contributes to morning breath. Saliva production slows down as you sleep, creating an environment that allows bacteria to multiply. More bacteria in your mouth means more bacteria feeding on food particles, which leads to the production of more foul-smelling gas as the particles decompose.
Imagine lighting a scented candle in a small, enclosed room. The scent would be much more intense compared to lighting the same candle in a room with a large, open window. Bad breath works in a similar way.
The mouth is an ideal habitat for bacteria. It remains closed for most of the time you are asleep each night. Just like the scented candle, if the gas cannot escape, the odor accumulates. When your alarm clock goes off, it’s time to grab your toothbrush!
If you suffer from halitosis, there’s no need to feel ashamed; it’s a common problem. References to bad breath have been found in historical records dating back to 1550 B.C. The ancient Romans used a mouthwash made from wine and herbs to combat the issue. The Persians chewed on sprigs of parsley. This method is still practiced today, which is why some restaurants serve a small piece of parsley with meals.
Nowadays, there are more effective methods available to combat halitosis. These tools consist of toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, and breath mints. Even though the most diligent brushers and flossers cannot completely eliminate bacteria from their mouths, practicing good oral hygiene decreases the likelihood of waking up to unpleasant breath. It is also the most effective way to maintain a healthy and happy mouth in the long run – something worth smiling about.
Give It a Try
Phew! Morning breath can be quite unpleasant to wake up to. Engage in the following activities with a friend or family member to gain more knowledge about bad breath and how to combat it:
1. Request an adult friend or family member to take you on a field trip to a local grocery store or pharmacy. What are you searching for? Challenge yourself to find as many products as possible that are intended to fight bad breath. Some obvious options would include chewing gum, breath mints, and mouthwash. However, what other breath-freshening products can you discover? Were you aware that there are so many products targeted specifically at bad breath? Select a couple of products to try at home. Which ones do you believe are the most effective?
2. What is the worst case of bad breath you have ever experienced? Was it the morning after a slumber party where you consumed an entire anchovy pizza with extra garlic and onions? How did your breath smell? Use your imagination to come up with a name for your worst case of bad breath. Maybe it was called “Dragon’s Breath”? Or perhaps “Stinky Foot Breath”? Once you have named your worst case of bad breath, use your creative abilities to paint a descriptive picture that helps readers understand just how bad your breath was. Share your creation with a friend or family member and enjoy a good laugh at your creativity!
3. Anyone can buy mouthwash from a store, but it is much more enjoyable to make your own homemade mouthwash. To create your own minty-fresh homemade mouthwash, simply mix together two ounces of filtered water, one-quarter teaspoon of baking soda or sea salt, and one drop of pure peppermint oil. Once you have mixed these ingredients, all that is left to do is swish, spit, and smile!
Sources of Wonder
– http://www.healthhype.com/bad-morning-breath-causes.html
– http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/conditions/bad-breath/article/morning-breath-prevention-treatment-tips-0516
– http://sciencenordic.com/what-s-deal-morning-breath
Leave a Reply