How To Avoid Bad Breath With Braces

While no one likes to talk about it, bad breath is a problem many people have. It can be especially problematic when you’re wearing braces as food debris and plaque can easily be left behind in all the nooks and crannies of your braces after brushing & flossing. It is not all that uncommon for someone wearing braces to have bad breath because of the bacteria present on bits of food between teeth and around the brackets as well as in plaque that’s left behind after cleaning the teeth.

Here are some easy ways to avoid having bad breath while you’re wearing braces:

Stay On Top of Your Oral Hygiene Routine

While oral hygiene is always important, it’s even more important when you have braces on your teeth. By making sure you do a great job of brushing and flossing your teeth after eating, bits of food won’t be left behind nor will any plaque that can cause breath to smell.

Drink Plenty of Water

By drinking plenty of water every day, you will help flush food particles trapped between your teeth or in the nooks and crannies of your braces. Drinking lots of water also help keep you hydrated so you can avoid getting dry mouth, which is another cause of bad breath. Try to drink between six and eight glasses of water each day and avoid substituting energy drinks, sodas and citrus juices for water, as plain water is best.

Use a Breath-Freshening Mouthwash

A good way to keep your breath fresh between brushings & flossing is to use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. This type of mouthwash is designed to eliminate much of the bacteria that leads to bad breath so find one you like the flavor of and get into the habit of using it each day as directed.

Watch What You Eat

Even if you don’t have braces on your teeth, you can get bad breath from certain foods such as garlic, onions and some strong cheeses. You can get rid of bad breath you get from these types of foods by brushing & flossing well and rinsing with a mouthwash after eating. It’s also wise to steer clear of sugary foods and drinks that cause cavities because tooth decay can also lead to bad breath.

See Your Dentist and Hygienist Regularly

Even though you are seeing Dr. Stormberg, you still need to see your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings. These important dental visits can help keep your smile healthy and your breath smelling fresh, so don’t put off making those appointments!

We hope you find these tips for keeping bad breath at bay helpful! The team at Stormberg Orthodontics is always happy to speak with you! If you have any questions about keeping your smile healthy and your breath fresh while wearing braces, don’t hesitate to contact us during office hours.