If you wake up with bad breath or a dry mouth in the morning, you may be experiencing morning oral poor. While it is a common occurrence, it can be uncomfortable and even lead to oral health problems if not properly addressed.

Here are three common causes of morning oral poor and what you can do to combat them:.

Poor Dental Hygiene

The most common cause of morning oral poor is poor dental hygiene. If you do not brush and floss your teeth regularly, food particles can get stuck in your teeth and cause bad breath, as well as bacterial growth in your mouth.

Bacteria produce gases that can create an unpleasant odor. Additionally, not brushing or flossing can lead to plaque buildup, which can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

The solution to poor dental hygiene is to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and floss at least once a day. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride to strengthen your tooth enamel and fight against cavities.

A mouthwash can also help kill bacteria and freshen your breath.

Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion, or a stuffy nose, can also cause morning oral poor. When you have a stuffy nose, you may breathe through your mouth while sleeping. Breathing through your mouth can cause your mouth to dry out, leading to bad breath.

Additionally, mouth breathing can cause the tissues in the back of your throat to become dry and irritated, which can also lead to bad breath.

To combat nasal congestion, you can try using a saline nasal spray to moisturize your nasal passages. If your congestion is due to allergies, use an antihistamine or allergy medication as directed by your doctor.

If you still experience morning oral poor, talk to your doctor to see if a sleep study is necessary.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a condition in which your mouth does not produce enough saliva. Saliva helps to wash away food particles and neutralize acids in your mouth, which can cause bad breath.

Additionally, saliva provides a protective barrier for your teeth and gums against harmful bacteria.

There are several causes of dry mouth, including medications, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors. Medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants can cause dry mouth as a side effect.

Medical conditions such as diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome, and hypertension can also cause dry mouth. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and caffeine intake are also factors that can lead to dry mouth.

To address dry mouth, talk to your doctor about changing your medication or treating any underlying medical conditions. You can also try sucking on sugar-free candy or chewing sugar-free gum to increase saliva production.

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can also help keep your mouth moist.

Conclusion

Morning oral poor can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, but it is often easily treatable. Poor dental hygiene, nasal congestion, and dry mouth are three common causes of morning oral poor.

By taking steps to address these issues, you can start your day with fresh breath and a healthy mouth.