Isn’t it fantastic to wake up in the morning feel refreshed and revitalized? A good night’s sleep can work wonders. But, wait. What’s that terrible film that develops overnight? It’s always worse in the morning. Why is that? Well, you aren’t alone. Your dentist in Owensboro, KY wants you to know that there’s nothing wrong, necessarily; waking up with a film on your teeth is a common issue, and it often feels worse in the morning due to how the mouth behaves overnight. Learn more about it.

The Difference Between Day and Night

During the day, saliva plays a crucial role in keeping your mouth clean by washing away food particles and bacteria. Saliva also contains enzymes that help break down harmful substances and neutralize acids. At night, saliva production decreases by a lot, creating a drier environment inside the mouth. This dryness allows bacteria to multiply more easily, forming a biofilm on your teeth and gums.

A Dry Mouth at Night

Some people’s mouths fall open and they breathe through their mouths while they sleep, further drying out the mouth. Mouth breathing makes morning tooth film worse by reducing saliva even more. Ever wonder why you have “morning breath?” That’s your answer.

Diet Plays a Role

Diet can also play a role in the severity of tooth film. Eating foods high in sugar, starch, or acid before bed can leave residue on your teeth, which bacteria thrive on during the night, leading to an even thicker film in the morning. Hopefully this makes you rethink going to bed without brushing your teeth!

So, on one hand, you can relax about why your tooth film is worse in the morning. On the other hand, there are things you can do to minimize it! Talk to your Owensboro, KY dentist for more helpful tips.