When you have just finished getting your new braces put on, your breath might be the last thing on your mind. However, as the months go on, this may begin to be more of a problem. You may even have some awkward conversations with your friends and loved ones as the smell becomes more noticeable. While braces themselves do not cause bad breath, they do present some challenges to oral hygiene that may contribute to the odor. There are some easy steps that you can take to ensure that you will enjoy fresh breath until the braces come off.
The Causes of Bad Breath While Wearing Braces
As with most cases of bad breath, the main cause has to do with a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. While you may have other oral health problems that are contributing to the smell, the probable reason is that braces can make teeth more difficult to clean and make it harder to reach areas where food has gotten trapped between teeth. These food particles can become food for bacteria no matter how insignificant they are and as the bacteria accumulate, they will release an unpleasant odor that will travel to your breath.
How to Prevent Bad Breath with Braces
There are many steps that you can take to avoid bad breath in general, and some of them do apply when you are wearing braces as well. One of the most important is choosing what you eat carefully, as a diet that is higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates can help to support healthier gums. Drinking plenty of clean water throughout the day can also keep the mouth cleaner even as it encourages saliva production that will break down food particles and remove bacteria. Avoiding smoking and strong-smelling beverages such as coffee or alcohol may also drastically improve breath that has grown unpleasant while you are wearing braces.
Oral Hygiene Tips for Bad Breath with Braces
Improving oral hygiene is the most effective way to prevent bad breath while your braces are correcting your bite. While you may have gotten used to brushing twice a day, preventing bad breath or other oral conditions requires you to brush after every meal and snack while wearing braces. You will need to floss daily and clean braces with a specialized threader in order to dislodge food from those hard-to-reach places.
Are you concerned that bad breath is affecting your life with braces? Contact Dr. Scott Runnels Orthodontics in Destin and Inlet Beach. Whether you live in or near Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Freeport, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Panama City Beach, Panama City, and the surrounding areas, you are invited to contact us today to book an appointment!
