We all know what it’s like to have morning breath. But those of us with braces may have morning breath that is a little stronger than most.
Dry Mouth and Morning Breath
The most common cause of morning breath is dry mouth. When you sleep, your body is not able to produce as much saliva. This is done so that you can stay asleep longer and not have to constantly swallow.
Why is saliva so important? Saliva is a crucial part of oral health because it washes away food and sugar particles left behind when we eat. This reduces acid and helps balance pH levels in the mouth.
Brushing Before Bed
We’ve all heard the recommendation to brush your teeth before bed each night, but do you understand why? When we sleep, the bacteria in our mouths builds up and creates a sulfurous gas that smells. Brushing before you sleep reduces this bacteria, thus helping you sleep with minimal threats to your oral health.
How to Combat Morning Breath
- If you begin to notice your morning breath is stronger now that you have braces, it may be time to review your brushing and flossing process.
- Here are a few ways to fight morning breath and have a better start to your day:
- Brush your teeth AND tongue every night before bed. Take your time and make sure to get all the food debris out of your braces. If you have to use other tools to get those hard to reach areas, do it. You won’t regret it in the morning.
- Drink water just before bed and right after waking up. This will help to wash away bacteria and sugar sitting on your teeth.
- Breathe through your nose, not your mouth. This helps to clear your sinuses and reduce your chances of getting dry mouth.
- Carry a dental hygiene kit. If your morning breath lasts longer than the morning. It may be a good idea to bring a hygiene kit with you to make sure you get any extra food debris throughout the day. This will also help with brushing after meals to keep your teeth healthy.
Just Ask Us!…At Reynolds & Stoner Orthodontics, we understand that bad breath isn’t always the easiest topic to discuss. That’s why we make it as easy as possible for you. Contact our Greensboro or Summerfield NC office by phone or send us a message through our website.
