The benefits of straight teeth and a beautiful smile are well worth the relatively short time you’ll spend wearing your braces. However, the components of your braces often make teeth a little harder to clean and, if not properly taken care of, can lead to an embarrassing case of bad breath.
While this may be true, it is also a preventable problem. Following the 5 steps we’ve listed below will help you fight the risk bad breath; allowing you to once again feel relaxed and confident in social outings.
Brush After Every Meal
Regularly brushing your teeth is very important when you have braces, especially after eating.
When you eat, little pieces of food are easily lodged in the gaps between your teeth and can cause a nasty build up of plaque and bacteria.
Cleaning each tooth individually on both sides and gently massaging the gums after eating should always be your first line of defence against bad breath.
Remember to Floss to avoid Bad Breath
Just because your braces make flossing a little extra work, it doesn’t mean you can skip doing it.
Pieces of food stuck in the gaps between your teeth will begin to decay and it is important for your oral hygiene that you take the necessary steps to remove them.
Eat As Your Dentist Advises
For the duration of your braces, it is important you stick to the foods that your orthodontist advises and avoid any that will cause you problems.
Sticky sugary foods act to feed bacteria in your mouth, allowing them to multiply and cause hygiene complications like plaque and bad breath.
You’re orthodontist will also be able to suggest foods that are less likely to get stuck in between your teeth.
Drink Plenty of Water
Proper hydration helps with saliva production, which is important for removing food and bacteria from your mouth.
Eating food or drinking alcohol that dries your mouth out will inhibit your saliva from removing anaerobic bacteria.
Anaerobic bacteria, which can cause bad breath, are killed when exposed to the oxygen in your saliva. When saliva is inhibited the anaerobic bacteria spreads increasing the risk of bad breath.
The best way to keep on top of your dental hygiene, with or without braces, is through regular check ups with your orthodontist.
Monitoring changes and providing you with expert advice is what your orthodontist is there to do. It is important you take advantage of this service to improve the health of your mouth and reduce any embarrassing situations that can be a result of bad breath.
