Have you ever avoided a smooch from a loved one in the AM?

It’s okay to admit.

“Everyone has morning breath to some degree,” says periodontist Sally J. Cram (viaEveryday Health).

woman waking up and checking her breath in bed

The thick, slightly rancid smell is often happening because of two things: dryness and poor oral hygiene.

Our saliva is responsible for washing away the stinky bacteria that can build up in our mouths.

The same goes for poor oral hygiene.

woman holding her nose at her partners morning breath

Knowing the cause of your sometimes embarrassing morning breath is a great start to preventing the issue.

You may also want to rethink your diet.

But it could also be contributing toyour mouth odorearly the next day (viaHealthline).