Doctor explains why your morning breath is so bad - and how to fix it

09 October 2023 , 11:35

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There are ways you can stop your breath from smelling so badly in the morning (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images)

We all know how important it is to brush our teeth when we get out of bed. On top of it being a good hygiene practice and helping to keep our teeth in tip-top shape, it also helps to banish that nasty morning breath that we're all riddled with when we first wake up. It's something all of us deal with, but some of us have it worse than others.

According to one dentist, there are a few scientific reasons why your breath might smell much worse in the morning than your partner's, and thankfully, that also means you can work out how to make improvements to your morning breath. Doctor Richard Marques says the most common causes of bad breath in the morning include poor oral hygiene routines, dehydration, eating or drinking strong-smelling foods or liquids, and a dry mouth.

Speaking to Metro, Dr Marques said that the most common factor in bad morning breath is a dry mouth, which can be caused by "sleeping with your mouth open". This is because the saliva in your mouth dries up and allows for bacteria to "stick to your teeth and gums" instead of being washed away, meaning your breath smells worse when you wake up.

If you're finding yourself waking up with bad breath, there are ways you can tackle each of the potential causes, including using nasal decongestants to try and help you breathe through your nose at night instead of your mouth. Dr Marques also stated that dental tools such as a tongue scraper can prevent bacteria build-up and "keep your tongue clean".

Staying hydrated and following a healthy and balanced diet can also "decrease the chances" of bad morning breath while maintaining a "good level of oral hygiene" is also key. This means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing regularly, and using mouthwash.

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The dentist added: "If bad breath persists and extends long after the morning for a number of weeks, this could be a sign of health issues that need medical attention such as problems with your teeth or gums that could be gum disease, cavities, and infections. Regular trips to the dentist can prevent issues from going unnoticed and prevent long-term bad breath."

Zahna Eklund