Morning breath is almost universal. While you sleep, saliva production drops and bacteria get busy breaking down food particles, leading to that not-so-fresh smell when you first wake up. A glass of water, brushing, and tongue cleaning usually fix it.
But when breath stays bad long after brushing, or family members keep mentioning it, something more may be going on. Food caught between teeth, plaque buildup, gum disease, dry mouth, and untreated cavities are all common culprits. Tonsil stones and sinus issues can also contribute.
A simple first step is to improve routine: brush twice daily, floss or clean between teeth at least once, and gently clean your tongue. Many people skip the tongue even though it holds a lot of odour-causing bacteria. Drinking more water and cutting down on heavy garlic/onions late at night can also help.
If bad breath persists despite good hygiene, it’s time for a dental check. The dentist can look for gum pockets, hidden decay, or other mouth-level triggers. In some cases, if the mouth is healthy, you may be directed to check stomach, sinus, or other causes with a doctor.
The goal isn’t to chase minty perfection, just to make sure your breath isn’t signalling a problem that needs real attention.