People wearing braces often complain that they have bad breath, a problem they didn’t have before braces were placed on their teeth. While the topic of bad breath or halitosis is one not many people like to talk about, it is important to discuss, as it can be common among people wearing braces. Here is some general information about bad breath and braces and how you can keep your breath fresh while wearing braces.
Bad breath is caused by food particles and plaque left behind after brushing and flossing. These tiny bits of food and hidden plaque contain bacteria. If left to flourish in the mouth, this bacteria will cause your breath to smell bad. Your braces are made up of wires, bands and brackets, which provide particles of food and plaque plenty of places to hide, making good oral hygiene extremely important during orthodontic treatment.
Keep Yourself Hydrated –By drinking lots of water each day, you will be flushing away any food particles and plaque left behind after cleaning your teeth. Keeping yourself well hydrated will also help you avoid dry mouth, which is a problem that also causes bad breath, so try to drink at least six glasses of water each day.
Be Diligent with Your Oral Hygiene –The best way to make sure no bits of food and plaque remain hidden in and around your braces, between your teeth and along the gum line is to be very diligent with your oral hygiene routine. Spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth after each meal and before bedtime, making sure you brush all teeth
surfaces. You should be flossing your teeth at least once per day. If you find it too difficult to use regular floss, buy a floss threader as this inexpensive and handy little tool makes easy work of flossing.
Be Mindful of What You Eat – There are certain foods that can cause bad breath like garlic, onions and spicy foods, so steer clear of these foods to keep your breath smelling fresh. If you cannot avoid eating foods that cause bad breath, brush your teeth after eating then rinse your mouth out with water. You can even use an antiseptic mouth rinse that will both kill germs and fight bad breath.
See Your Dentist – You will still have to visit your dentist twice a year, even though you are under orthodontic care with Dr. Hoybjerg. These important visits are when your dentist checks for any problems that may be lurking in your mouth. If a problem is detected, your dentist will provide you with the needed treatment to keep your mouth healthy and your breath smelling fresh.
By following these tips, you should be able to avoid bad breath while wearing braces, but if you have any questions about your treatment or oral hygiene, please ask us! Our team has years of experience working with braces and oral hygiene, so we have some tips and tricks up our sleeves. We have convenient office locations in Roseville, Placerville, Sacramento, Modesto and El Dorado Hills, so you are just a visit or call away from getting help.