Is snoring the cause of bad breath? Or is it that snoring and bad breath have the same cause?

There is evidence that shows that people who snore are more likely to have bad breath. So what is the relationship?

Bad breath is caused by bacteria in the mouth breaking down sulphur releasing proteins. The “rotten egg” smell is associated with various sulphur compounds. The bacteria in the mouth are naturally occurring and everyone has them and everyone should have them. The problem of bad breath arises when these bacteria build to high levels unchecked, breaking down proteins at a higher than normal rate causing the smelling gaseous byproducts that are the cause of bad breath.

The bacterial growth is normally kept under control by saliva. Saliva is released into the mouth via several glands and the amount and type is controlled by the brain in response to different stimuli. Saliva has several functions including lubrication, initiating digestion, providing an alkaline buffer, and oral hygiene. It helps flush the mouth of food debris and contains lysozyme that prevents the overgrowth of microbial populations.

Saliva production can be affected by many things including, disease, over the counter cold medication, asthma inhalers, diet, stress and anxiety, mouth breathing and dehydration.

High protein foods can have an effect on bad breath especially when associated with a change of diet. Remember the break down of certain proteins causes the bad breath. The consumption of alcohol (and this includes some medication that contains alcohol) has an adverse effect on saliva production. Additionally coffee and alcohol act as a diuretic. This means they are substances that promote the loss of water from the body. Any dehydration, even mild dehydration also effects the production of saliva and saliva is important in the control of bacterial buildup.

For thousands of years it has been known that people under stress have a dry mouth. In times past this was even a test of one’s guilt or innocence. Saliva production is initiated by the brain in response to different stimuli. It is a delicate system that can be literally turned on just by thinking about food.

So how does this cause of bad breath relate to snoring?

Mouth breathing is related to snoring. If you breathe through your nose, as you should, then your chance of snoring in the first place is greatly reduced. If you are a mouth snorer now, then making the change to nasal breathing could cure your problem.

Mouth breathing can be a difficult habit to change because it is self promoting. If the body is even slightly dehydrated the nasal passages become more sensitive and you are more likely to mouth breathe. Mouth breathing thickens the saliva and makes it less effective, both as a lubricant and as an oxidant able to control bacteria build up. Mouth breathing can lead to the production of less saliva and saliva that is less effective.

So reducing foods (and drinks) that promote water loss and making sure you consume enough water through the day to meet the body’s requirements throughout the entire night can help overcome the cause of bad breath and help control your snoring.

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