Although bad breath is a common issue when wearing braces, there’s a lot that you can do to avoid it. Chronic bad breath is usually a sign of excess harmful bacteria in the mouth. Braces give bacteria more viable surfaces to hang onto. These appliances additionally make it harder for patients in California to brush and floss effectively. Following are several tips for maintaining clean, fresh breath all throughout your orthodontic treatment.
Brush Thoroughly After Every Meal
Daily brushing is important, even when you aren’t wearing braces. When you have fixed metal brackets and wires on your teeth, however, you need to brush after each and every meal. This is important for removing trapped particles of food that will support harmful colonies of bacteria, and for additionally minimizing unpleasant mouth odors. When brushing, make sure to brush your tongue, the roof of your mouth, and your gums. These soft tissues are just as likely to harbor odor-causing bacteria as the tooth structures themselves.
Take Advantage of Dental Picks and Toothpicks
Whenever you have a meal or snack, take the time to dislodge any food particles that have gotten stuck at the gum line, between your teeth, or around your wires and brackets. With a dental pick or toothpick, you can gently ease your way around brackets to get the job done, and without causing any structural damages to these components.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Certain foods create the perfect conditions for decay-causing bacteria to flourish. This is why it’s important for those in California with braces to maintain a healthy diet that’s filled with a vast range of nutrient-dense foods. A good diet will include balanced portions of dairy, protein, produce and whole grains, with little to no refined sugar or refined carbohydrates. High-sugar foods and simple carbohydrates can create a very acidic mouth environment that both undermines the integrity of the enamel, and allows harmful microorganisms to thrive.
Drink Plenty of Water
When you’re dehydrated, your mouth produces less saliva. This creates a dry environment and a significantly higher likelihood of bath breath.
To learn more about ways to avoid bad breath while wearing braces, make an appointment at Unique Orthodontics in California. We have offices located in Buchanan, Fresno, Clovis, Madera, and Tulare (coming soon). Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
