Introduction
By 2017, my wife said that I had developed bad breath, particularly in the mornings or at midnight. I used to be a shy person who couldn’t get too close to any girl before marriage. After getting married in 2014, life was great. In 2015, we welcomed our first child—a baby boy—and it felt like heaven touched us. However, by 2017, my wife pointed out that I had developed bad breath, particularly in the morning. Though I appreciated her caring and for the information sharing, I felt deeply embarrassed.
After that, I became very self-conscious. I kept my distance when speaking to others at work, worried that they might notice my bad breath. In crowded places like buses, I would stay silent to avoid embarrassment. Despite being tall and well-groomed, my bad breath shattered my confidence. I knew I had to find a solution and regain my self-assurance and confidence.
When I asked my wife when she first noticed the issue, she said it seemed to start after I gained weight. She delayed informing hoping it is temporary. Determined to understand the root cause, I researched extensively and eventually discovered an easy, affordable, and natural remedy. In this article, I’ll share how I resolved the issue and the simple steps that worked for me.
Understanding the Causes of Morning Breath
I wanted to figure out what might be causing my bad breath. I looked up information online and explored numerous articles on the topic. Morning breath refers to a type of unpleasant breath that occurs after sleeping. Halitosis is the clinical term often utilized to describe unpleasant breath. It concerns a breath that has a foul smell. Possible reasons for unpleasant breath include the following:
Dry Mouth:
- Saliva production drops during sleep, leading to bacterial buildup, as saliva normally flushes out odor-causing particles.
- Mouth breathing and snoring increase dryness, which can lead to more intense morning.
- Medications that reduce saliva production can also exacerbate the issue.
Poor Oral Hygiene:
- Failing to brush and floss properly allows food particles to remain in the mouth, where bacteria break them down, releasing foul-smelling sulfur compounds.
- Poor oral care can lead to plaque buildup and periodontal disease, which worsens bad breath.
Certain Foods:
- Strong-smelling foods like garlic and onions release sulfur compounds that enter the bloodstream and affect breath, especially if consumed late at night.
- Even brushing after eating these foods might not prevent morning breath since the compounds travel to the lungs and are exhaled.
Tobacco Use:
- Smoking causes dry mouth, raises the risk of gum disease, and adds a smoky odor to the breath.
Medical Conditions:
- Conditions such as GERD (acid reflux) can cause stomach acids to enter the esophagus during sleep, contributing to bad breath.
- Other illnesses like diabetes, infections, and kidney problems may also result in halitosis.
Key Takeaway:
Morning breath occurs mainly due to reduced saliva flow during sleep, poor oral hygiene, certain foods, and medical conditions. The best way to prevent it is by maintaining good oral hygiene, staying hydrated, avoiding strong-smelling foods before bed, and addressing any underlying medical issues.
My Personal Experience with Morning Breath
Initially, I wasn’t sure what was causing my bad breath. I didn’t feel I had a dry mouth, I didn’t breathe with my mouth while sleeping, I didn’t eat garlic onions at night, and I didn’t smoke. Although I occasionally snored, it wasn’t frequent. However, I realized my brushing technique might not be thorough enough, and I also had poor eating habits, including late-night snacks. My weight gain could have played a role too.
To address these issues, I started brushing more carefully and avoided eating late at night. I also began chewing cloves. These efforts improved my condition by about 50%, but the problem wasn’t fully resolved. I was frustrated and kept looking for a complete solution.
Finally, I found a helpful video by Dr. Mujibur Rahman on YouTube. He promotes natural remedies for various health concerns. Inspired by his advice, I implemented a set of simple, natural steps—and they worked wonders.
The Natural Remedies That Worked for Me
The solution I found involved a combination of habits that worked together to tackle the problem effectively. Here’s the routine I followed:
A. Nighttime Oral Care Routine:
- Be sure to floss your teeth gently to get rid any food bits that may be trapped between teeth.
- Brush gently and thoroughly, inside and outside, using a mixture of baking soda and coconut oil instead of regular toothpaste.
- Practice oil pulling with coconut oil and then eat a tablespoon of organic coconut oil.
B. Morning Oral Care Routine:
- Perform oil pulling first thing in the morning with coconut oil.
- If you feel it’s necessary, brush your teeth just like you would going before bed..
- To promote better digestion and freshen your mouth, consider enjoying a glass of lemon water afterward.
C. Changes in Eating and Drinking Habits:
- Have dinner between 6-8 p.m. and avoid eating anything before bed.
- Drink green tea 30 minutes after meals, allowing it to touch the teeth as you sip.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water before bedtime.
I followed this routine for just 15 days, and the results were astonishing! My breath was fresher than ever, and the solution was both easy and affordable.
Additional Tips for Persistent Bad Breath
If you still struggle with bad breath, consider trying the following tips:
- Before you use your toothbrush each time, be sure to give it a good clean to avoid any buildup of bacteria.
- After brushing your teeth, store your toothbrush in a protected space
- Consider taking probiotics tablets to improve gut health and reduce bad breath. An underperforming digestive system can also result in bad breath.
- Maintain a balanced diet to prevent acid buildup in the mouth.
- Try to eat much food that contains healthy bacteria called lactobacillus such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, etc.
- Increase eating fruits like pineapple, apples, and oranges daily.
- Homemade mouthwash with baking soda. Mix one cup of warm water with two teaspoons of baking soda to create your own mouthwash at home. Before spitting out the mouthwash, swirl it around in your mouth for at least one minute.
- To clear germs from your mouth, gargle with warm salt water.
- Chew on cloves throughout the day to prevent bacterial growth.
- Make sure to clean your tongue. The bacteria that can accumulate your tongue may contribute to unpleasant breath.
Conclusion: You Can Beat Morning Breath Naturally Too!
In my experience, morning breath is not just about oral hygiene—it’s also connected to digestive health. When I was eating poorly and dealing with digestive issues, my breath worsened. Simple brushing wasn’t enough to fix the problem. However, when I improved my diet and gut health, the issue disappeared. Now, even on days when I forget to brush at night, I wake up without bad breath.If you struggle with bad breath like I did, try these remedies—they worked 100% for me! These steps not only beat bad breath but increase digestive system and overall health condition. I kindly want you to share your personal experiences with me if you follow them and receive the desired outcome. Any questions can also be posted in the comments section. I’d love to hear from you!