Austin Dentist Discusses Morning Breath Causes and Cures

Chances are, you don’t enjoy having bad breath. Unfortunately, it is still a part of the morning for most people, and for some, it may be a problem that affects more than just the start of their day. If you brush and floss your teeth every morning, then you can mostly eliminate your morning breath before starting your day. However, sometimes the foul odor may be more stubborn than normal and brushing and flossing may not always do the trick. To help you eliminate especially-persistent bad breath and return your confidence, Austin dentist, Dr. Steven Van Wicklen,  explores what causes morning breath and how you can rid yourself of it.

Why is Your Breath Foul in the Morning?

If asked what causes bad breath, how would you answer? Most people are aware that strong foods, such as onions and garlic, can leave very strong impressions for hours after you’ve eaten, but if food were the only cause, why would your breath be especially horrid in the mornings, after a night’s sleep? The truth is that bad breath is often the result of bacteria in your mouth that release noxious gases known as volatile sulfur compounds. As you sleep at night, your saliva production is drastically reduced, allowing these bacteria to proliferate more than normal. To help quickly neutralize these germs and restore aromatic harmony to your breath, try eating a well-balanced breakfast to kick start your saliva flow before brushing your teeth in the morning.

Keep Your Mouth Clean and Fresh with Your Austin Dentist

If breakfast and oral hygiene do not resolve your bad breath, there may be an underlying health issue involved. Common dental health problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease, can contribute to malodorous breath; however, so can some systemic illnesses, including respiratory illness and diabetes, among many others. To learn more about treating bad breath and its underlying causes, speak with your Austin dentist as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Van Wicklen by calling 512-448-3131. Located in the 78704 area, we proudly serve the cities of Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Bastrop, Bee Cave, Cedar Park, and all surrounding communities.