Grim reason you get bad breath is much worse than what's commonly thought

We've all woken up with some really bad morning breath before, the type that even makes you feel ill.

It's a horrible smell whether it's from you yourself or someone else, but the science behind it might be even worse.

Our body does a lot to protect us while we sleep, which can result in some other gross products, like the yellow crust in our eyes when we wake up.

The human brain is a great thing that continues to work while we rest, so I guess we have to be grateful there.

However, there are some things that happen while we sleep that are just plain gross - and kind of disturbing.

For example, have you ever wondered why exactly your breath smells like a dumping ground when you wake up in the morning?

Maybe yours doesn't though, that might just be me.

Anyway, the reason goes beyond forgetting to brush your teeth or having a cheesy dinner the night before.

It's a lot worse than that.

Basically, this TikTok explains that when you sleep, your mouth produces less saliva which makes your mouth dry, creating an environment that bacteria can thrive in.

Just wait though, we're not done yet.

The bacteria feasts on dead skin cells and food particles in your mouth while you're in your slumber, after which they leave waste, which is full of sulfur.

This is what gives your mouth that unbearable morning breath smell.

You did read that right, the thing making your breath smell in the morning is essentially bacteria poo.

I'm about to go and scrub my tongue for a few hours then.

It does make you think, and it might cause you to pay more attention to your bed-time routine, but the reality of this is unavoidable.

The best we can do is ensure that we brush our teeth in the morning before we go about our day, for our benefit and everyone else's.

Viewers also shared their disgust at this fact in the comments.

One user said: "Does that mean that there was poop in my mouth?" Unfortunately, yes.

Another commented: "I went to brush my teeth after this," followed by two crying emojis.

A third said: "everynight i put tape on my mouth." In case it wasn't obvious, this might not be the best idea.

So there you have it, in the latest episode of things you didn't need to know but should know, bacteria poo makes your breath smell.

Time to buy more toothpaste.