Orthodontic treatment certainly helps in achieving a bright, beautiful smile. The time you spend wearing braces and the effort you put into getting used to them is an investment in good oral health and a confident smile. However, having braces can be challenging. These challenges are not limited to adjusting to braces alone — you also need to take extra care to prevent bad breath.
This blog addresses the issue of bad breath during orthodontic treatment. There is no reason to believe that you must accept bad breath simply because you are undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Below are some fresh breath tips from Example Dental Clinic:
Choice of Food:
Some foods can contribute to bad breath during orthodontic treatment, including:
- Garlic and onions.
- Coffee and alcohol.
- Sticky foods, such as chocolate.
- Foods high in sugar.
- Sugary beverages.
Chewing sugar-free gum helps remove food particles and dead cells from the teeth, gums, and tongue. It also stimulates saliva production. We encourage you to discuss your diet with our team to understand which foods are best during orthodontic treatment.
Stay Hydrated
Water not only flushes the mouth but also promotes saliva production, which acts as a natural cleansing agent. Saliva helps dissolve food and drink particles in the mouth. A persistently dry mouth can lead to bad breath, as reduced saliva allows bacteria and food debris to accumulate.
Brush often
Brush your teeth and tongue twice a day. If possible, brush with fluoride toothpaste first thing in the morning and before going to bed. This helps remove food particles and bacteria that cause bad breath. Brushing your tongue is equally important, as it can harbour odour-causing bacteria. Be sure to brush your tongue gently.
Flossing
Flossing with braces might seem tricky, but it is a necessity. Ask our team at Example Dental Practice to teach you the best way to floss effectively with braces. Flossing can remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth, where your toothbrushes can’t reach. Flossing should be done at least once a day to avoid bad breath during orthodontic treatment.
Mouthwash Use
Mouthwash can provide temporary relief from bad breath, and antiseptic mouthwashes are particularly effective as they kill odour-causing bacteria. Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for about 30 seconds. Mouthwash can be a helpful part of managing bad breath during orthodontic treatment.
Smoking or chewing tobacco
Bad breath is one of the many side effects of smoking and tobacco use, in addition to other serious health risks. Smoking and tobacco should be avoided to prevent bad breath and reduce the risk of serious diseases such as cancer.
Together, you and our team at Example Dental Clinic can keep your mouth healthy and fresh during and after your orthodontic treatment.
