Bad breath is an embarrassing but often avoidable consequence of having braces. The main reason why braces wearers suffer from bad breath is that the bacteria in the mouth that actually cause bad breath have much more to cling to, and so can multiply with ease. How to keep your breath fresh? Here are some tips.
It is supremely important to brush your teeth daily, at least two or three times a day. However, if you suffer from bad breath, you need to double how much you brush. In addition to brushing your teeth, be sure to also brush your gums, the roof of your mouth and your tongue especially well. These spots are often breeding grounds for bacteria and bad breath, so be sure to pay close attention to those areas when brushing. This will help keep much of the bacteria, and the bad breath, at bay.
Another trick is to keep toothpicks or dental picks in your purse or bag, and use them after every meal or snack. Toothpicks, dental picks and floss sticks can remove any and all food particles from between the teeth and gum line and prevent them from adding to the bad breath. How to floss with braces? Make sure to gently work around the braces brackets, so as to gently dislodge any food without disturbing the brackets.
Can you use mouthwash with braces? Yes, but there are many types of anti-bacterial and anti-microbial mouthwash products on the market that can also help eliminate much of the bacteria that lead to bad breath. In addition to mouthwash products, you can also use a gentle peroxide solution, as long as you remember to carefully spit it all out. Peroxide can also work as an anti-bacterial agent to help heal sore spots in the mouth.
Water picks are exceptional items that can help clean very well at the gum line and in between braces. Due to the nature of the braces brackets, they can make it very difficult to clean your teeth and gums thoroughly. A water pick implement uses a forceful jet of water instead of bristles allowing it to get into all the crevices and cracks in your mouth. This can not only help clean your mouth thoroughly (thus preventing gingivitis and periodontal disease), but can also make sure your breath smells clean and fresh.
Finally, although most braces wearers need to avoid gum and sticky snacks, you can still enjoy breath mints and other mouth fresheners to help keep your breath fresh. As long as you increase your hygiene and fight the bad breath at the source – namely, the bacteria – you can improve your breath and your overall oral health. That is how to keep your breath fresh with braces.
Keeping your mouth clean will help ensure you get the most out of your treatment. We at M. Scott Runnels Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics understands the importance of proper oral health – especially for those with braces. With offices in Destin and Panama City Beach, contact Runnels Orthodontics today to find out more about how to get your best smile.
