We are thrilled to announce the immediate availability of our secure telehealth video service! We now offer fully HIPAA-compliant video conferencing for our patients and friends that is:
Our new video chat service is completely safe and secure, fully protects the privacy of the patient, and works on Android and iOS, on PCs and Macs! The software is fully vetted and tested so that our patients and friends can rest assured that their protected health information will remain private and secure. All you need to have is a computer, tablet or smartphone with Web Cam and audio capabilities and a good internet connection! We are now scheduling appointments for new and established patients to video chat directly with the dentist to review your existing treatment plans and/or answer any of your dental need questions. Patients may schedule video chat appointments by calling our office and speaking with our staff available during business hours Monday through Friday.
Sincerely, W. Roger Long, DDS, PA Bethany T. Wierzbicki, DMD, MBA
While having morning breath is a normal occurrence, no one likes the smell of a steamy hot breath in the morning. Luckily, knowing what causes morning breath gives you the opportunity to avoid this minor inconvenience. And if you’re looking for a cosmetic dentist in Fort Pierce to help you improve your oral hygiene, then you’ve come to the right place.
Here’s why your breath smells bad when you wake up.
Causes of Bad Morning Breath
Saliva
The main reason for morning breath is your saliva. When you wake up in the morning all of the saliva that has accumulated in your mouth dries while you sleep which causes bacteria to build up. These bacteria can be found living in the corners of your gums, on your tongue, or inside of cavities in your teeth.
Leftover Food Particles
One reason why brushing your teeth at night is important is because it prevents leftover food particles in your mouth from being broken down by your saliva.
Whenever your saliva breaks down food particles in your mouth, it releases a certain odor that adds to the bad smell of saliva that’s already in your mouth. Eating things like garlic, onion, and other strong-scented food at night also adds a bit of odor to your morning breath.
Tooth Decay or Cavities
The cause of morning breath can be as simple as a rotten tooth or cavities. A rotting tooth can emit a foul smell that can build up in your mouth as you sleep at night. The combination of bacteria and decay can add an extra layer of bad breath in the morning.
Common Morning Breath
Almost everyone wakes up with some degree of bad breath because saliva production naturally slows down while you sleep. The same thing can happen after an afternoon nap, which is why “nap breath” is so common. Normal morning breath fades once you brush your teeth, drink water, or eat breakfast. If the smell sticks around for the rest of the day, it may be a sign of something more than morning breath.
Other Reasons Your Breath Smells Bad in the Morning
Sleeping with your mouth open: Snoring or breathing through your mouth dries out your mouth much faster than breathing through your nose, giving odor-causing bacteria more time to multiply. Nasal congestion from allergies or a cold can make this worse. Loud snoring paired with gasping or daytime tiredness may point to sleep apnea, so mention it to your doctor.
Postnasal drip and acid reflux: Mucus draining down the back of your throat and stomach acid rising up while you lie down can both leave a sour or stale taste in your mouth by morning.
Medications and alcohol: Many common medications, including antihistamines and some blood pressure and antidepressant drugs, reduce saliva. Alcohol before bed also dries out your mouth overnight.
Why Does My Breath Still Smell After Brushing the Night Before?
Brushing alone doesn’t reach everything. Bacteria hide on the back of your tongue, between teeth that haven’t been flossed, and in the pockets around inflamed gums. If you brush every night but still wake up with strong breath, gum disease could be the hidden cause.
How to Wake Up with Fresher Breath
You can’t stop morning breath completely, but you can make it much milder:
Brush for 2 full minutes before bed, then gently clean your tongue with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper.
Floss every night to remove food and plaque from between your teeth.
Drink a glass of water before bed, and avoid eating or drinking anything but water after you brush.
Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash, since alcohol-based rinses can dry your mouth out.
Run a humidifier in your bedroom if you tend to sleep with your mouth open.
When to See the a Dentist in Fort Pierce
If your morning breath doesn’t improve with better nighttime habits, a dental exam can help find the cause, whether it’s gum disease, a cavity, or an old filling trapping bacteria. A fresh-smelling smile is part of a confident one, and the best cosmetic dentist in Fort Pierce can help you with both.
Are You Looking for a Cosmetic Dentist in Fort Pierce?
We at Smooth Sailing Dental can provide various dental services that you can truly count on. To learn more about how cosmetic dentistry can affect your oral health, or if you’re looking to improve your dental hygiene, contact our service today!
