What Causes Bad Breath?     There you are, it's Saturday morning and you have the whole day ahead of you. You roll over and look at your better half and decide to give them a good morning kiss. But wait, what's been brewing in your mouth over night? Here's a question for you: if we floss and brush before we go to bed and settle down to sleep with a fresh mouth every night, why is it that just mere hours later, we wake up with dreaded "morning breath"? The simple answer is that during the day, saliva works as your body's own natural mouthwash, washing away bacteria and particles that cause bad breath. While we sleep, saliva production decreases and our mouths dry out, providing the perfect environment for odour-causing bacteria. Bad breath (or "halitosis", as it's officially known) can come from a number of different sources, such as dry mouth, decomposition of food particles in and around your teeth, and foods that contain certain sulphur compounds such as garlic and cabbage. Halitosis can also reflect medical conditions, ranging from chronic infections in the lungs to kidney and liver failure. Dieting and fasting can slow down the stimulation of saliva flow and result in "offensive" breath. Talking for long periods of time will dry out your mouth with the same result. How to Treat Halitosis Floss and brush teeth to remove food particles and eliminate bad breath causing bacteria Scrub your tongue with toothbrush since more than 50% of bacteria that causes bad breath can found there Keep your mouth moist and avoid sugar beverages. Opt for water instead! Visit your dentist regularly to keep your teeth looking healthy. Your dentist can also spot causes of halitosis or periodontal disease. Remember, if your concerns go beyond morning breath, please ask us for more information. We'd be glad to assist you and offer oral hygiene tips.