Why is my breath so unpleasant in the morning?
Don't feel bad. Sour breath in the morning is not an uncommon complaint. Remember, saliva is a natural mouthwash. It not only enables us to chew and swallow dry food, it washes away particles of food in our mouths as well as bacteria.
Bacteria found on teeth, in the crevices and on the taste buds of the tongue break down food particles and produce foul-smelling sulfur compounds. The problem is that when we sleep, our saliva flow decreases significantly. Through the night, the bacteria are doing their work. The result is unpleasant morning breath.
What can you do? Floss, brush and rinse thoroughly before going to bed. Also, sleep with a pillow under your head. That will keep saliva flowing to your stomach while you sleep, and prevent the possibility of reverse stomach acid flow, which also can contribute to morning breath. Use a tongue scraper every morning before brushing. And here are some general tips on keeping the saliva flowing: Drink plenty of water. Quit smoking. Smoking dries the membranes of your mouth and interferes with a healthy saliva flow.
Talk with your dentist about other ways to keep your breath fresh – even in the morning.