Even when you brush and floss every night before bed, you may find yourself waking up with less-than-fresh breath in the morning. This isn’t uncommon, and in fact, it’s safe to say nearly everyone suffers from “morning breath” to some degree. Pure Dental Care, a state-of-the-art dentist office in New York, helps many patients with this condition. Below, they provide a brief overview of why morning breath happens and what you can do to combat it.   

During sleep, your saliva production naturally slows down. While this isn’t problematic in itself, saliva plays a major role in breaking down starches and sugars. Without an ample flow of it, the mouth begins to dry out. A moist environment is ideal for keeping bacteria at bay. Thus, the dryer your mouth is, the more bacteria can breed—and the stronger your morning breath will be.

People who breathe through their mouths at night are more inclined to have bad breath upon waking. Chronic congestion and problems with the nasal cavities are two reasons someone may unconsciously become prone to mouth breathing while sleeping. To improve your odds of waking with a fresher taste in your mouth, follow a nightly regimen recommended by your dentist. Often, patients find following up their flossing and brushing routine with a mouthwash rinse has more odor-boosting potential.

If you’re concerned about your morning breath, the dentist from Pure Dental Care can offer targeted solutions that fit in with your daily routine. To schedule an appointment, call (212) 256-1292. Their staff puts an emphasis on the patient experience, which is why you can expect a relaxed, comfortable environment. Learn more about the practice’s services, including cosmetic dentistry, by visiting their website and like them on Facebook for updates.