Your orthodontic treatment can brighten your smile by straightening your teeth and aligning your bite using braces that Fort Walton Beach residents can trust. Before treatment, you can research more about it and expect to make some lifestyle adjustments to help manage a few challenges that come along with having braces. Bad breath is one of those challenges.
Causes of Bad Breath
Bacteria build up in the mouth remains the leading cause of bad breath. When food particles remain inside your mouth, they create a suitable environment for bacteria to grow. Braces also offer space for food particles to stick to, and bacteria seizes that opportunity to feed, grow, multiply and produce foul odors. So how do you prevent bad breath when it’s so easy to get?
Brush and Floss Regularly
Oral hygiene is critical when you have braces. If you still have bad breath after brushing twice a day, you may want to increase that number. Brushing after every meal is a good place to start. You can achieve this by carrying your toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss to school or work. This can help minimize bad breath.
Replace Your Toothbrush
Most dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush after every three to four months. But if you have bad breath or the bristles on your toothbrush are worn out, it’s prudent to replace them frequently. Your toothbrush can hide thousands of germs, and when you have braces, it’s vital to keep to keep these dangerous organisms under control.
Use Anti-Bacterial Mouthwash
Mouthwash can kill bacteria. Therefore, when you use anti-bacterial mouthwash, it can get into the spaces between your teeth after flossing, where it destroys the bacteria and germs hiding inside. For those with a sensitive mouth, look for a rinse that doesn’t have a burning effect.
Use a Water Pick
Water picks are specifically engineered to clean your teeth and the minuscule spaces between your gums and teeth. They can also clean your braces where bacteria hide. When you begin using a water pick, your gums may bleed initially. This will reduce after using it regularly and help keep your teeth white and healthy, and remove bad breath.
Breath Mints
If you find yourself self-conscious about your bad breath, you can try using mints or fresheners. Although when you have braces, our orthodontists often advise you to avoid sticky sweets, you can enjoy the mints as your mouth gets used to your new oral hygiene habits.
See Our Orthodontist Regularly
When you have braces, the best way to manage bad breath is to see our orthodontist regularly. He will check and clean your teeth and braces, and offer professional guidance on what you should do. If you’re struggling with bad breath with braces, visit Brodie Bowman Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics to find out what you can do. We are conveniently located in Fort Walton Beach and Niceville, FL. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!