We’ve all experienced it. Morning breath is possibly the most annoying nuisance that ruins many good mornings. It discourages us from being spontaneous and can interfere with spur-of-the-moment intimacy, pillow talk, meaningful conversations and even snuggling with our kids on Saturday mornings, simply watching cartoons before rolling out of bed. Though I don’t think there will ever be a “cure” for this particular condition, there are a few ways to lessen its effects. We all know to brush our teeth before bed, but what can we do when that alone isn’t always enough? By keeping a few things in mind and taking a few extra steps before bedtime, you’ll be able to focus more on morning-time activities and not so much on how your breath may smell.
Avoid dairy products directly before going to bed. Imagine putting milk in the microwave and letting it sit for hours. Do you think it will end up resembling cottage cheese or yogurt? Now, add this same idea to your mouth. Imagine your mouth is the microwave (98.6 degrees) and the residual milk you drank – still remaining on your tongue, between your teeth and in the back of your throat – sitting for hours. This is bound to create an unpleasant smell by morning. Stop nail biting. The bacteria and germs that lie underneath your nails can find their way into all the tiny cracks and crevices in your mouth, being almost impossible to eliminate with one or two brushings. Gurgle with salt water before bed. This acts as an effective mouthwash. Though not an excuse to drink alcoholic beverages in excess, the alcohol in evening cocktails acts as a disinfectant. (Be sure to thoroughly brush your teeth before bed or you will just simply be replacing morning breath with the smell of your soured drink of choice) Do not smoke within an hour of going to bed, then be sure thoroughly brush your tongue and the backs of your furthest teeth. As odd as this may sound, sleep with your mouth open. Imagine being closed up in a hot room for hours with no fresh air flow. Now, apply this same idea to your mouth. In a hot, humid, stagnant environment, things are bound to get sticky and sweaty … or in this case, smelly and rank.
So tonight before you go to bed, prepare yourself for the opportunity to be spontaneous and unexpected the next morning. Who knows? You may experience life’s “true” magic in a whole new way.