This article explains how to get rid of bad breath with braces. Your braces (or clear aligners) are doing their job, your teeth are moving in place, and your beautiful new smile is forming, but there’s only one thing standing in your way: dragon breath.
Yes, dragonbreath can happen, even when you’re not receiving orthodontic care. Clear aligners and braces appliances can make you more prone to bad breath, especially if you don’t give them the attention they deserve.
The good news is, that battling dragon breath with braces and your Invisalign is easy.
Do Braces Cause Bad Breath?
While braces themselves don’t directly cause bad breath, they can create an environment that makes it easier for bacteria to thrive.
The brackets and wires in braces can trap food particles and plaque, and if not cleaned properly, this can lead to a buildup of bacteria that causes bad breath.
To prevent this, it’s important to brush and floss regularly and to pay special attention to cleaning around the brackets and wires. A water flosser can also help remove trapped food particles.
Why Do I Have Bad Breath With Invisalign?
Bad breath with Invisalign is caused by a buildup of bacteria on the aligners. The bacteria can be transferred from the aligners to your mouth, which can lead to bad breath.
To prevent this, it’s important to clean your aligners regularly with soap and water or a clear aligner cleaner.
You should also make sure to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly after each meal or snack. And don’t forget to clean your tongue, as bacteria can also build up there.
How To Get Rid Of Bad Breath With Braces
Now that you have a better understanding of what causes bad breath, you may be wondering how to avoid bad breath during your Invisalign treatment or braces treatment.
Well, as promised, we’ve compiled a list of 9 tips on how to get rid of bad breath with braces while having Invisalign treatment.
1. Drink plenty of water
Drinking plenty of water can help to get rid of bad breath with braces. Water helps to keep your mouth moist, which reduces the amount of bacteria that can grow there.
It also helps to flush away food particles and bacteria that may be trapped in your braces. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day, and if you have braces, you may need to drink even more.
2. Eat a healthy diet and watch those smelly foods
Eating a healthy diet is important for good oral health, including getting rid of bad breath with braces.
According to a study published by JL Slavin · 2012, Fruits and vegetables are beneficial, as they contain antioxidants and other nutrients that can help to keep your mouth healthy.
It’s important to avoid eating too many smelly foods, like garlic and onions. These foods can leave a lingering odor that can be hard to get rid of, even with brushing and flossing.
3. Up your brushing game
This is one of the key factors! Brushing your teeth is even more important when you have braces, as it helps to remove plaque and food particles that can get trapped in the brackets and wires.
Be sure to brush at least twice a day for two minutes each time. And don’t forget to brush your tongue, as that’s a major source of bad breath bacteria.
4. Floss at least once daily
Yes, flossing is so important! Flossing helps to remove plaque and food particles that brushing alone can’t reach.
This is especially important with braces, as the brackets and wires can make it more difficult to clean between your teeth. And don’t forget to floss behind your back teeth!
5. Consider a Waterpik
Waterpiks, or water flossers, are a great tool to consider if you have braces. Waterpiks use a stream of water to clean between your teeth and around your brackets and wires.
They can reach areas that a regular toothbrush or floss can’t. And they can be easier to use than traditional floss, especially with braces.
6. Embrace mouthwash
Yes, mouthwash is another great tool for fighting bad breath when you have braces. Mouthwash helps to kill the bacteria that cause bad breath, and it can also reach hard-to-reach areas of your mouth.
When choosing a mouthwash, be sure to pick one that is specifically designed to fight bad breath. And remember to swish for the full amount of time recommended on the label.
7. Learn how to clean Invisalign aligners properly
Good Invisalign hygiene is indeed important for preventing bad breath. Invisalign aligners should be cleaned daily with a special Invisalign cleaning solution or with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap. You’ll also need to clean your aligner case regularly, as it can harbor bacteria.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to clean your Invisalign aligners:
- Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water to remove any food particles or debris.
- Soak your aligners in the cleaning solution for the recommended amount of time.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub your aligners, then rinse them thoroughly with water.
- Let your aligners air dry, or use a clean cloth to dry them.
- Place your aligners back in your mouth or your aligner case.
8. It’s important to always visit your Dentist for professional cleanings and examination
Yes, this is an important part of preventing bad breath, especially when you have braces.
Regular visits to your general dentist allow them to check for any plaque buildup or other dental issues that could be contributing to your bad breath.
They can also provide a professional cleaning to remove any plaque that you may have missed.
9. Enjoy a piece of sugar-free gum after meals
Chewing sugar-free gum is a great way to freshen your breath after eating, especially when you have braces.
Sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production, which helps to wash away food particles and neutralize bad breath bacteria.
The act of chewing also helps to dislodge any food that may be stuck in your braces. Just be sure to choose a sugar-free variety of gum, as sugar can cause cavities.
When to See a Doctor
If bad breath persists despite maintaining proper oral hygiene with braces, it’s important to visit your orthodontist or dentist.
They can assess your oral health, identify any issues related to braces, and recommend appropriate solutions.
Regular check-ups will ensure effective management of bad breath, addressing any underlying causes and promoting optimal oral care during orthodontic treatment.
A Word From GetMe Treated
If you use these tips on how to get rid of bad breath with braces, the bad breath should go away. If you have any questions, use the comment section under this post or contact us through our Contact Us Page.
How To Get Rid Of Bad Breath With Braces FAQs
How does having braces contribute to bad breath?
Braces can contribute to bad breath in a few different ways. First, the brackets and wires can trap food particles and plaque, which can lead to bacteria growth and bad breath.
Second, the braces can irritate the gums, causing inflammation and leading to bad breath.
Third, the braces can make it harder to keep your teeth clean, leading to plaque buildup and bad breath.
Finally, the braces can cause dry mouth, which can also lead to bad breath.
What can I do to maintain good oral hygiene with braces?
There are several things you can do to maintain good oral hygiene with braces, in addition to the steps we’ve already discussed.
Make sure to brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least once a day, being sure to clean around your brackets and wires.
Finally, be sure to clean your retainer or Invisalign aligners every day with a soft toothbrush and mild soap.
Are there specific foods to avoid to prevent bad breath with braces?
Yes, certain foods are known to contribute to bad breath, and avoiding them can help to keep your breath fresh while you have braces. These include:
- Garlic and onions contain sulfur compounds that can cause bad breath.
- Coffee and alcohol, can dry out your mouth and increase bacteria growth.
- Sugary foods can feed the bacteria that cause bad breath.
- Spicy foods, can cause inflammation and lead to bad breath.
How often should I visit my orthodontist to address bad breath concerns with braces?
In general, you should visit your orthodontist every 4-6 weeks for a check-up and adjustment, but you can also talk to them about any concerns you have, including bad breath.
Your orthodontist may recommend additional steps you can take to keep your mouth healthy and your breath fresh while you have braces.
They may also be able to determine if there’s another issue causing your bad breath, such as an infection or gum disease.
Can using mouthwash be effective in eliminating bad breath with braces?
Yes, using good quality mouthwash can help to eliminate bad breath, even when you have braces.
Look for a mouthwash that contains fluoride and antibacterial ingredients, like cetylpyridinium chloride or chlorhexidine.
These ingredients can help to kill the bacteria that cause bad breath. Be sure to swish for at least 30 seconds to ensure that the mouthwash reaches all the nooks and crannies of your mouth.
What role does hydration play in preventing bad breath with braces?
Staying hydrated is crucial for preventing bad breath, no matter whether you have braces or not.
When you’re dehydrated, your mouth produces less saliva, which can lead to dry mouth and bad breath.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help to keep your mouth moist and reduce bad breath bacteria.
Additionally, avoiding sugary and acidic drinks can help to prevent bad breath.
Are there additional tools or accessories that can aid in eliminating bad breath with braces?
Yes, there are a few tools and accessories that can help in addition to the steps we’ve already discussed.
One option is a Waterpik water flosser, which can be more effective than regular flossing at removing plaque and food particles.
An interdental brush can also help clean around your brackets and wires. And if you’re experiencing dry mouth, a humidifier can help to keep your mouth moist and reduce bad breath.
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