HELP! My Braces Are Giving Me Bad Breath


Coleman Orthodontics

We understand bad breath can be uncomfortable to talk about but unfortunately it happens to most people for several different reasons. The important thing to do if you’re experiencing bad breath (or know someone who is) is to determine the root of the problem. 

Bad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by poor oral hygiene, personal habits such as smoking or eating certain foods, or medical problems. The most common factor for bad breath in patients with braces at Coleman Orthodontics is almost certainly caused by poor oral hygiene.

After getting braces, new patients may develop bad breath from not cleaning their teeth correctly. Brushing your teeth is simply not enough, especially when you wear braces. Bacteria feeds on food particles left in your mouth, and this bacterium creates odor. It’s important to remember to brush, floss, and use mouthwash as tiny bits of food can get stuck in brackets or between teeth which can contribute to bad breath.

Because braces contain so many small spaces to trap food, the habits that worked great for cleaning your teeth before braces may no longer be enough. It's important to brush immediately after every meal or snack, or to at least vigorously rinse your teeth with water or mouthwash if you absolutely can't brush. 

7 Ways to Prevent Bad Breath While Wearing Braces
  1. Brush and Floss Regularly 
  2. Use Antibacterial Mouthwash 
  3. Stay Hydrated 
  4. Eat the Right Foods 
  5. Use Breath Mints 
  6. Use a Water Pick 
  7. Regular Orthodontic Visits
Bad breath-causing odors and bacteria can also cling to removable orthodontics (like a retainer or clear aligners), so be sure to remove them before eating, even if you're only eating a small amount.

For more information on bad breath with braces visit our website or give us a call at 801-614-9090, one of our helpful team members will be happy to give you a few tips and tricks to keep your bad breath at bay.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Dentists and Orthodontists: What is the Difference?

Image
Coleman Orthodontics Dentists and Orthodontists are the same thing…right? While your dentist may offer orthodontic services, leading you to assume that he or she is an orthodontist, putting aligners or braces on teeth does not make your dentist an orthodontist. Dentistry is a broad medical specialty that deals with the teeth, gums, and jaws, while orthodontics is a specialty within dentistry that focuses on correcting bites. All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are licensed orthodontists. Both dentists and orthodontists provide professional care to help their patients have good oral health. And both are dental school graduates. But dentists and orthodontists are very different when it comes to the alignment of your teeth. Dentists and orthodontists undertake the same training initially, but orthodontists complete further training after they graduate dental school to become qualified in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of orthodontic problems. Orthodontist...
Read more

Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment

Image
Coleman Orthodontics Dr. Coleman can successfully correct most orthodontic problems regardless of the patient’s age. But that does not mean that the orthodontic treatment starting age does not matter. As with any decisions regarding health care, it is best to act when time is on your side. Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that encompasses tooth straightening and facial changes.   As a child grows, both the upper jaw and lower jaw will grow in three dimensions. This growth will decide the final positioning of the mid and lower face. The major advantage of a two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, and esthetic result that will remain stable throughout your child’s life. Two-phase orthodontics starts with interceptive treatment. The goal of interceptive treatment is to take advantage of growth potential and to catch an orthodontic problem before it gets out of hand. Such treatment usually occurs be...
Read more

Adult Orthodontic Treatment at Coleman Orthodontics

As we grow older, our teeth begin to shift and orthodontic treatment among adults is actually quite common in the United States. Five years ago in 2014, according to the American Association of Orthodontics, adults made up a record high of nearly 1.5 million orthodontics patients in the U.S. and Canada. That number has only grown in the most recent years, showing that adults are investing in their smiles. At Coleman Orthodontics, we treat a variety of patients from kids just starting treatment, teenagers and young adults, to adults who are looking to improve their smile. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, and it is never too late to improve your smile. Our team works with all of our adult patients to achieve the adult patients' individual concerns. Many adults decide to choose Invisalign Clear Aligners, which are less invasive in a patient mouth. Clear aligners give adults the freedom to eat and drink with less restrictions than braces and aesthetically favorable becau...
Read more