Is your bad breath a symptom of snoring?

Do you wake up with bad breath every morning? There’s a good chance that snoring could be to blame. Over 71% of snorers admit to having terrible morning breath – and mouth-breathing is nearly always the cause.

Having a dry mouth is the main reason why people wake up with bad breath. When we go to sleep, our saliva production decreases. But many people who snore or have sleep apnoea experience severe drying of the mouth because they tend to breathe through their mouths instead of their noses. Saliva is a natural antibiotic, and a dry mouth means that bacteria are able to flourish.

When someone snores, their airway is narrowing far too much. Fast-travelling air is pulled through it when they breathe, dehydrating the tissue at the back of their throat, and causing it to vibrate. This sound is what we know as snoring. If the person’s body feels like it isn’t getting enough oxygen, it might open their mouth to try and increase the air flow. But breathing through your mouth speeds up the drying process, and it results in bad breath come morning.

How can you fix bad breath caused by snoring?

There are several options to choose from when it comes to fixing your bad breath. Using a snore guard is one method – a sort of mouldable mouth guard that encourages you to breathe through your nose by blocking your mouth. Nasal dilators can also be used: small devices that you insert up your nostrils to reduce any resistance to incoming air. However, some people can find these uncomfortable to sleep in.

Another option is to use a nasal spray, or nasal strips. If you’re breathing through your mouth because your nose is blocked, then anti-snoring nasal products will help open up your airways again. Many people with colds start to snore when they become ill – using a nasal spray or nasal strips helps them sleep peacefully through the night.

Remember: mouth-breathing isn’t normal

Breathing through your mouth is abnormal. And if you already snore, it could be a sign of a more serious condition like sleep apnoea. Visit your doctor if you’re worried about your mouth-breathing – ignoring it could lead to high blood pressure and even coronary heart disease. Dealing with your bad breath now means that you’ll reap other health benefits in years to come.

 

 

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