Lets be honest, it is fairly common for most of us to wake up with some degree of "morning breath". This bad breath occurs because the saliva that regularly washes away decaying food and odours during the day time, diminishes at night while we are asleep.

In some cases, persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth, may be a warning sign of gum disease. So what causes gum disease?

Food residues adhere to the teeth and a sticky film of bacteria called "Plaque" forms. Over time, if plaque is not removed, it calcifies into a hard residue. Plaque buildup irritates the gums and left untreated can eventually lead to other serious consequences such as bleeding gums, chronic oral infections and even tooth loss.

Other causes of bad breath include:

Smoking
Pungent foods such as, Garlic, Onions and Spices
Respiratory infections
Acid Reflux
Dry mouth
Certain medications

Ways you can help combat bad breath:

Brush at least twice a day and floss at least once daily to get rid of food debris that get stuck between your teeth and gums
Use a toothbrush or tongue scraper to clean your tongue to help eliminate odour-causing bacteria
Drink plenty of water to encourage saliva production
Avoid Smoking
Visit your Dentist for your regular check ups and cleans. They will also be able to show you the best way to clean your teeth and gums, and bring to your attention any areas that you may be missing, including your tongue

If you have any concerns about bad breath - give us a call Today! We can help identify the cause, and if its due to an oral condition, develop a treatment plan to help eliminate it.

Happy Flossing!

The Dental 4U Team