Everyone experiences halitosis, also known as bad breath, at times. One of the most common times for this unpleasant malady to occur is first thing in the morning. While you sleep, saliva production slows down and allows the bacteria to feast on the plaque in your mouth all night. The aftereffects of this partying lead to what is commonly known as morning breath. While this is completely normal, bad breath should not last all day long. If yours is, here are some reasons why, along with tips on how to solve the problem.

Poor Dental Hygiene

One of the main causes of bad breath is a lack of good dental hygiene. You already know that you should be brushing at least twice daily and flossing before bed. If you're not currently doing so, this is a likely culprit in the mystery of why you have bad breath!

Even if you are brushing and flossing, however, your oral hygiene could still be to blame. For example, you might be forgetting to clean your tongue, a surface that is filled with grooves and bumps, which are the perfect hiding places for bacteria. Another issue might be that you have not had a professional cleaning for a while, and tartar is hanging out beneath your gumline. Seeing your dentist and brushing your tongue can clear up bad breath quickly.

Dental Decay or Infection

If you have a cavity brewing, bad breath can be one of your first symptoms. A cavity provides a warm, cozy spot for smelly bacteria to hide, and in most cases, you won't be able to reach the crevice with your toothbrush or floss. The only way to fix this is to see your dentist and have the decay cleaned out and a filling placed.

An infection in your mouth, caused by gum disease or decay that has affected the nerve of the tooth, can also create a bad smell. Depending on the exact cause, a prescription-strength mouthwash, a root canal treatment or a visit to a periodontist might be in order.

Medications and Health Conditions

Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, sinus infections, or stomach ulcers, can cause bad breath. Your physician will need to treat the underlying cause in order to clear up your halitosis.

Another way that your health can cause bad breath is if you take medication that makes your mouth dry or causes changes in your saliva or mucus. Certain antibiotics, diuretics and antihistamines are notorious for having this effect. Sucking on sugar-free candy, chewing gum and sipping water frequently can help. Do not stop taking any medication without the express advice of your doctor, though!

You can beat halitosis if you know what the underlying cause is, in most cases. Talk to your dentist like one from Pine Lake Dental Group or physician about this potentially embarrassing problem to get it under control.