Nobody's breath is going to win any freshness awards when they wake up in the morning, but for those that suffer from dry mouth, bad breath can be a constant annoyance. Here's a quick lesson on what causes dry mouth, and how to fight it.
Why do we get dry mouth?
There is a reason you often wake up with a dry mouth and, as a result, bad breath — when we sleep, our body produces less saliva, creating a dry environment where germs thrive. If you tend to breathe through your mouth, bad luck: the constant flow of oxygen through there makes for a fiercely parched environment.
Hidden signs
Don't be fooled into downplaying dry mouth and its resulting bad breath as a mere annoyance. Unfortunately, dry mouth can be a sign of more serious health issues, such as kidney problems, liver disease and diabetes. Women who are in the midst of menopause may also complain of dryness in the mouth, due to hormone changes in the body.