Bad breath is a treatable and preventable condition called halitosis that can affect anyone. Those with braces tend to be more susceptible to developing badbreath, so it is essential to follow a strict oral care regimen to ensure your breath stays fresh, even with braces.
Bad breath is caused by bacteria in the mouth. Braces make it easier for food to get stuck around the teeth and make it harder to remove the food. When food isn’t removed from your teeth or braces, bacteria will feed on the food, which produces an unpleasant odor.
Bad breath can also be caused by factors such as your oral hygiene habits or your diet. Bad breath is known as “morning breath” is mainly caused by dry mouth because your salvia production slows while you sleep which allows bacteria to grow.
To prevent bad breath, the number one solution is to brush and floss your teeth often. You should brush and floss first thing in the morning, after every meal and snack, and before you go to bed. To get into the smaller spaces around your teeth and remove the plaque and food particles, consider using a flossing threader.
To keep up on your oral care throughout the day and to prevent bad breath no matter where you are, you can carry a dental hygiene kit around with a toothbrush, floss, and antibacterial mouthwash, like Listerine to keep your breath fresh throughout the day.
If your mouth is dry, your saliva production is limited. Saliva works to clear away food particles and bacteria, so without proper hydration, you could experience bad breath due to a dry mouth. Be sure to drink enough water throughout the day to help keep your mouth clean.
Consider adding a tongue scraper to your daily brushing and flossing routine. A tongues scraper is designed to remove bacteria from the surface of your tongue, helping to prevent bad breath.
If you find that you’re experiencing chronic bad breath, it may be time to schedule a dental visit for a cleaning. Attending your regular orthodontic exams and dental cleanings are crucial to your oral health when you have braces. These exams and cleanings can help you treat any issues that are related to your bad breath. Contact King Orthodontics today to schedule your exam!
