Halitosis may just be a fancy name for bad breath, but such a serious name may actually match the serious irritation it causes. Dentists have found that the main cause of morning breath is the lack of oxygen during the night, which leads to dry mouth. When the flow of saliva decreases in the mouth, odorous bacteria are produced.
It is also thought that those who snore with their mouths open are more likely to experience the stinkiest of morning breath. Smoking also causes the mouth to dry out through lower saliva production.
Whatever the cause of your morning breath, some simple home treatments or adjustments to your dental routine can have you kissing morning breath goodbye.
- Brush, Floss, Rinse, Repeat—Be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly and brush your tongue, as well. The tongue produces the majority of bad breath and the back of the tongue is the worst offender. While most people try to avoid flossing it can actually get any stubborn food particles out of your mouth that simply brushing can miss. Using mouth wash is also a great way to avoid bad morning breath, instead of buying mouthwash that just gives the immediate illusion of fresh breath, look for mouthwashes that will kill odor-producing bacteria.
- Stay Hydrated—Since the cause of bad breath is lack of saliva, keeping your body and mouth hydrated can cure bad breath during the day and even into the night. Be sure to avoid beverages that dehydrate and lessen saliva production.
- Get Hip with Herbs—Herbs like mint, parsley, and basil are known for their refreshing scents, they may also help with long term bad breath due to their high levels of chlorophyll – a pigment in plants that can neutralize body odors.
Avoiding stinky foods and maintaining a strict dental routine is the best way to prevent bad morning breath and keep your breath fresh throughout the day as well.
“What you should know about bad breath.” (2003). Journal of the American Dental Association, 134, 135-135. http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Science%20and%20Research/Files/patient_22.ashx
Tonzetich, J. (1977, January 1). Production and origin of oral malodor: A review of mechanisms and methods of analysis. Retrieved August 21, 2014, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/264535
Snoring is possibly one of the most irritating sleep habits and it, oftentimes, disturbs more than just the person snoring. Most snorers tend to suffer from various sleep disorders, however, other environmental factors could contribute. If you find yourself or a family member is sawing logs on a regular basis, be sure to consider some of the potential causes below:
Top Six Reasons for Snoring:
- Sleep Apnea—Most individuals who find themselves with a chronic snoring problem also suffer from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can cause other sleep problems and is related to many other snore-inducing issues.
- Being Overweight—Packing on extra pounds is more than just bad for your waistline; it can also reap havoc on your sleep cycle. This is most likely caused by bulky throat tissue that obstructs airways. Losing weight can ease many other symptoms caused by other sleep disorders, as well.
- Pillow Height—People tend to suffer from snoring if they are using too many or too few pillows with adequate support. The optimal sleep position with the correct pillow support is the key to blissful, snore-free slumber.
- Cold and Flu—Restricted airways are a main result of having a runny nose or sore throat. Be cautious as to which night time sleep aids you use and be sure to use a remedy that will open up airways, not throw you into a chemically-induced coma.
- Large Tonsils—A good sign children need their tonsils removed is chronic snoring.
- Sleep Position—Those who sleep on their stomachs are more likely to experience increased snoring and difficultly sleeping. Try sleeping on your back or side to open airways and relax the throat.
Your snoring could be attributed to any of these issues, if not a combination. Sometimes simple adjustments can be the perfect antidote to a nighttime full of snoring.
“Snoring – Adults: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.” U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 21 Aug. 2014. < http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003207.htm >.
While we go on vacation to get some much needed rest from the stresses of day-to-day life, it’s common to experience difficulty relaxing while away from home. Between the planning process and travel, there are a lot of obstacles to fully enjoying your time off. The biggest of these is difficulty sleeping while on vacation. A new sleep environment or simply too much excitement could be the cause of those sleepless nights in paradise. Follow these simple tips to truly unwind and make the most of your down time.
1. Plan relaxing activities: If a restless night is inevitable, plan some rejuvenating activities for the daytime. A soothing spa day consisting of steam rooms, massages and even an invigorating facial can make even the worse insomniac forget about that night of tossing and turning. If the spa isn’t in your budget, resting by the pool or ocean could be the perfect way to lull you in to an afternoon nap.
2. Maintain your sleep routine: It is tempting to engage in a more lax sleep routine when on vacation. Going to sleep at your normal bedtime and avoiding food and drinks that keep you awake at night can help ease the difficulty some experience when sleeping in a new space. Maintaining your normal routine, as difficult as it may be, is the best way to ensure a good night’s rest away from home.
3. Make your room familiar: Simple adjustments such as bringing your pillow or humidifier from home can make all the difference when sleeping in a new environment. You can also make simple modifications to your environment such as regulating your room temperature and controlling unwanted noise with the use of ear buds. By making your room more familiar, you can easily experience a more restful and fulfilling night’s sleep while on vacation.
4.Prepare yourself for time zone changes: Time zone changes and jet lag are known to reap havoc on tired travelers. Prepare for the change in time in advance by gradually going to bed closer to the time you would while on vacation in the new time zone. This process will ease the transition to a new time zone and leave you with less time yawning and more time enjoying your vacation.
5. Plan a Sleep Vacation: For those with serious sleep disorders, sleep retreats are being offered at many resorts in the United States. These intensive programs range in length but all have the goal of helping you have more fulfilling sleep. This fad is increasing in popularity and causing people to seriously assess and confront their sleep disorders. If you find yourself needing a vacation from your vacation, you should consider a sleep vacation.