Bad breath can be a big problem if you have braces! If you don’t want to feel self-conscious about having bad breath, let’s learn how to prevent this problem. At myORTHODONTIST, we are here to help our patients feel confident about their smiles.
Preventing Bad Breath
Bad Breath is medically known as ‘halitosis’. It can happen to almost anyone! It can be caused by many factors, such as diet, poor oral care, use of tobacco, dehydration, medical conditions and even stress! During orthodontic treatment, if oral hygiene is neglected – bad breath can be a big problem! If you don’t want to feel self-conscious about having bad breath, let’s learn how to prevent this problem. At myORTHODONTIST, we are here to help our patients feel confident about their smiles
Routine and Consistent Oral Care
The most common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Neglecting to brush your teeth and tongue can lead to a build-up of bacteria in your mouth. Establish a daily oral care routine to prevent bad breath. Be sure to brush your teeth twice daily, floss at least once a day, and clean your tongue. You should also rinse with mouthwash as a final step. When wearing braces, it is important to spend more time maintaining your oral care. Use a floss threader when flossing your teeth to make flossing with braces easier.
Replace Your Toothbrush
You should replace your toothbrush at least every three to four months. A worn out and frayed toothbrush is not effective enough to clean your teeth, especially when wearing braces! An old toothbrush can also put your mouth at risk for odour-causing bacteria.
Hydrate
Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist and avoid drinks that can cause dry mouth. This includes coffee, alcohol and soft drinks.
A Healthy Diet
Choose foods that can help increase saliva flow, such as dark green vegetables, protein-rich food, and whole grains. It is also best to avoid foods that are high in sugar and acid. When wearing braces avoid sticky and chewy foods that are easily trapped around your brackets. These foods are hard to remove and can put your mouth at a higher risk of having odor-causing bacteria.
Improve Your Lifestyle
Quit smoking and avoid drinking alcohol, which can cause dry mouth and bad breath.
Regular Dental Checkups
To keep your mouth healthy and odour-free, visit your dentist on a regular basis. It is recommended by the Canadian Dental Association to visit at least once every six months.