Morning breath: Halitosis at its funkiest

Most people suffer from morning breath at one point or another, but few know exactly why they have it. If you associate this form of halitosis with a dry mouth, you're well on your way to understanding how such bad breath occurs, as well as how to eliminate it.

Here is a quick Q&A explaining the ins and outs of morning breath:

Q: Just what is morning breath?
A: Simply put, it's bad breath that rears its ugly head the moment you wake up. But you already knew that. So what is it? Morning breath is a result of mouth breathing. As you sleep with your mouth open, your tongue and palate gradually dry out. Without cleansing saliva to keep them at bay, odor-causing bacteria quickly run wild.

Q: Does morning breath go away on its own?
A: Not exactly. While smacking your mouth a few times can get your saliva flowing again, it is unlikely that this will neutralize the smell. After all, do coffee breath or garlic breath go away on their own?

Q: What can I do about it?
A: First and foremost, brush your teeth. It's important for your dental health that you scrub those bacteria off your teeth and gums. Doing this can lower your risk of cavities and gingivitis. Afterwards, rinse with a mouth-moistening specialty breath freshener.

Q: Why does a moist mouth matter?
A: It is not enough to cleanse your palate with, say, an alcohol-based mouthwash, since such a product can dry out your mouth and pave the way for bacterial growth. Instead, try gargling with a specialty rinse that leaves your palate moistened and clean. That way, anaerobic bacteria, which love a dry mouth, can find no purchase in your newly freshened mouth.