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What Causes Bad Breath with Braces?
One of the main causes of bad breath is bacteria in the mouth.
The food may get stuck between the braces or spaces around the teeth. If you are unable to remove these food particles, bacteria will start feeding on it. This will produce an unpleasant odor.
Other reasons for bad breath include gum disease, poor oral hygiene, drinking, and smoking.
7 Ways to Prevent Bad Breath While Wearing Braces
Oral hygiene is important when you have dental braces. You need to brush in the morning, night, and after a meal. If the bad breath persists after brushing twice a day, you may want to increase the frequency of brushing and flossing.
Use a threader to floss your teeth to remove food particles from small spaces where the toothbrush cannot reach.
After you brush and floss, use an antibacterial mouthwash to avoid bad breath with braces. It will get into the space between the teeth and kills germs and bacteria. If you have a sensitive mouth, use a mouthwash that doesn’t burn.
If you want to go natural, add a few drops of tea tree oil and peppermint oil in water along with baking soda. This concoction doesn’t burn at all and is antibacterial. It will kill the bacteria and disinfect the mouth.
A dry mouth reduces the production of saliva, which further harbors an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Dehydration will increase the chances of bad breath.
Drink lots of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration. It will keep your mouth clean and prevent the growth of bacteria.
Another bad breath remedy is to avoid foods with strong-smelling ingredients like garlic. Choose the right foods to eat with braces. Avoid sugary and sticky foods as they will lead to bad oral health. It may further lead to tooth decay and bad breath.
If you have bad breath after following all the oral hygiene habits, you can use breath mints temporarily. Avoid breath-freshening gum as it may stick to the braces. You can use the mints till your mouth gets adjusted to the new oral hygiene habits. It is a common bad breath cure but doesn’t rely on it completely to get rid of the bad breath.
A water pick is excellent for cleaning between the gums and teeth braces, and teeth and gums. They can even reach the hard to reach places where bacteria can grow. They use powerful jets of water to clean the teeth, and they are more effective than a toothbrush.
It is important to schedule regular dental appointments when you have teeth straightening braces to get your teeth cleaned. It will also help the dentist identify any issue that may lead to bad breath. You can ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy during and after the orthodontic treatment.
If you have any questions about how to keep your breath fresh while having braces, visit a family orthodontist. Call us at Koch Orthodontics to make an appointment. You can also learn about the orthodontic treatment process too.
- Brush and Floss Regularly
- Use Antibacterial Mouthwash
- Stay Hydrated
- Eat the Right Foods
- Use Breath Mints
- Use a Water Pick
- Regular Orthodontic Visits
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