There are few things more embarrassing than being told your breath stinks. It’s humbling and horrifying all at the same time. Whether you’re waking up next to a romantic partner or got in the car and realized you forgot to brush, morning breath is something we’d all like to avoid. And believe it or not, you actually can. There are several things you can do to neutralize your morning breath. It all comes down to preparation!
#1 Brush & Floss Daily
Of course, you already know this one, but I’d be willing to bet that the fact you’re reading this blog means you’re not perfect at it. Maybe you’re diligent with brushing your teeth morning and night but you struggle to floss consistently. Or maybe you have a great morning routine but neglect your nighttime routine after a long day. Whatever the reason, this is step one. You have to be consistent. Banishing morning breath comes down to getting rid of as much food, plaque, and bacteria as possible in order to reduce odor. That is simply not going to happen if you’re not brushing and flossing your teeth daily.
#2 Scrape Your Tongue at Night
Maybe I was wrong and you’re a die-hard consistent flosser. Now you’re looking for the next step to level up your routine and kick morning breath to the curb. If you’re not tongue-scraping, now is the time to start! Even after brushing and flossing, debris and gunk can still be left behind on your tongue. So, scraping your tongue daily, especially at night, helps you remove the leftover bacteria that’s still there once you’ve put your toothbrush away. No, brushing your tongue with your toothbrush isn’t enough. If you’re really trying to improve your morning breath, you need to scrape away that bacteria so it’s not left to get worse overnight. If you don’t currently have a tongue scraper, consider buying a Slate Electric Flosser. Not only will it help you build a regular flossing habit but every floss head has a tongue scraper on the back designed for this exact purpose!
#3 Sleep With Your Mouth Closed
Maybe this is one you haven’t thought of before but sleeping with your mouth open can be a huge contributor to smelly breath. Odor-causing bacteria thrive in a dry environment and since saliva production slows to a near stop while we sleep, breathing with your mouth open turns an already dry mouth into a desert. You might be thinking that there’s no way to guarantee you’ll sleep with your mouth closed but there are products that can help. You might consider giving mouth-taping a try. By taping your mouth shut during sleep you’ll protect your teeth and keep the inside of your mouth as hydrated as possible. Mouth taping has even been linked to getting a better night’s rest! Here at Slate, we especially love VIO2 mouth tape.
#4 Use the Right Kind of Mouthwash
You might be surprised it took us until number four to mention mouthwash but the thing is, the kind of mouthwash you use really matters. It’s not just any mouthwash that will combat your stinky breath. Alcohol-containing mouthwash can actually be detrimental to your oral health. It kills good bacteria along with bad bacteria and although it may offer that satisfying burning sensation, it disrupts the equilibrium of the mouth and can actually make bad breath worse. So what are you supposed to buy? Try an alcohol-free mouthrinse with xylitol. This one by Carifree is alcohol-free, contains xylitol, and provides the anti-cavity benefits of fluoride. It’s intentionally designed to kill bad bacteria while protecting your enamel. If you’re looking for a mouthwash that you can buy at your usual drugstore, Therabreath is your best option!
By combining these tips and tricks you’re sure to wake up ready to kiss your partner! Or maybe just not scare away your dog. Not only do these steps contribute to better-smelling breath, but they’re also key components in maintaining high-quality oral hygiene. So build a nighttime routine that’s great for your breath and for your teeth. Good luck!