Getting braces or Invisalign is like a big step towards having an awesome smile! But, let’s be real, it can also bring some challenges. One thing lots of people worry about is keeping their breath fresh during treatment. Both braces and Invisalign need some extra care, or else food, yucky plaque, and bacteria can build up in your mouth, which can make your breath smell not-so-great. Luckily, with some easy tips from Dr. Murphy at Southern Maine Orthodontics and good habits, you can keep your breath smelling good and feel super confident while you’re getting that perfect smile.
Why Fresh Breath Matters When You Have Braces or Invisalign
Fresh breath isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about feeling confident! Whether you’re talking to friends, giving a presentation, or taking a selfie, you don’t want to worry about your breath. When you have braces or Invisalign, your mouth needs extra attention to stop bacteria, food bits, and plaque from building up, which can cause bad breath.
With braces, food can get stuck in the brackets and wires, making it harder to clean your teeth really well. With Invisalign, even though you can take the aligners out, you still need to keep your mouth clean to avoid bad smells while you’re wearing them. Keeping your breath fresh is important for your overall mouth health and helps your orthodontic treatment go smoothly.
Why It’s Tricky to Keep Your Breath Fresh With Braces
Braces have metal brackets, wires, and rubber bands, which can make brushing and flossing a bit of a challenge. Here’s why:
- Food Gets Stuck: When you eat, little pieces of food can easily get trapped in the tiny spaces between the brackets and wires. If you don’t clean them out, they can lead to bad breath.
- Plaque Builds Up: Braces give plaque extra places to stick to. Plaque is full of bacteria, and if you don’t get rid of it, you can get cavities and bad breath.
- Hard to Reach Everywhere: Brushing with braces can be tricky. You might miss some spots, leaving behind food, plaque, and bacteria that make your breath smell bad.
Why It’s Tricky to Keep Your Breath Fresh With Invisalign
Invisalign aligners are less noticeable than braces, but they also have their own challenges:
- Trapping Moisture and Bacteria: Even though you can take them out, if you don’t clean them well, they can trap bacteria, moisture, and food against your teeth, leading to bad breath.
- Wearing Aligners a Lot: To make Invisalign work, you have to wear them for at least 22 hours a day. If you don’t clean them often or take care of your teeth, they can make your breath smell bad.
- Dry Mouth: Some people get dry mouth with Invisalign, which can cause bad breath. When you don’t have enough spit, bacteria can build up and make your breath smell unpleasant.
Tips for Keeping Your Breath Fresh With Braces
If you have braces, you need to be extra careful with your mouth to keep your breath fresh. Here are some tips:
- Brush After Every Meal: Brush your teeth after every meal or snack to get rid of food bits stuck in your braces. Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush for at least two minutes, paying extra attention to the areas around the brackets.
- Use Interdental Brushes: These little brushes can help you clean the spaces between the brackets and wires. They’re great for getting rid of food and plaque.
- Floss Regularly: Flossing is super important for getting rid of plaque between your teeth, which can cause bad breath. Use a floss threader to make it easier to floss around your braces. Or, try a water flosser.
- Use Mouthwash: Antibacterial mouthwash can kill bacteria, freshen your breath, and keep your teeth and gums healthy. Choose one with fluoride to protect your teeth from cavities.
- Carry a Travel Toothbrush: Keep a travel toothbrush and toothpaste with you. After meals, you can quickly brush your teeth to get rid of any stuck food.
- Drink Water: Drinking water helps rinse away food and bacteria, keeping your mouth moist and fresh. It also helps prevent dry mouth, which can cause bad breath.
Tips for Keeping Your Breath Fresh With Invisalign
Even though Invisalign is easier to eat and drink with, you still need to take steps to keep your breath fresh:
- Clean Your Aligners: Clean your aligners every day to prevent bacteria buildup. Rinse them with lukewarm water and gently scrub them with a toothbrush (but no toothpaste, it can scratch them). You can also use Invisalign cleaning crystals or a gentle denture cleaner.
- Brush and Floss Before Putting Aligners Back In: Always brush and floss before putting your aligners back in after eating or drinking. This keeps food and plaque from getting trapped against your teeth.
- Limit Sugary or Smelly Foods: Avoid foods and drinks that can cause bad breath, like coffee, onions, garlic, or sugary snacks. If you eat them, your aligners can trap the smell.
- Use a Tongue Scraper: Your tongue can hold bacteria that cause bad breath. Use a tongue scraper to help keep your breath fresh.
- Drink Water: Dry mouth is common with Invisalign, but drinking lots of water can keep your mouth moist and prevent bad breath.
Southern Maine Orthodontics: Keeping Your Smile Fresh and Confident in Scarborough and Gorham, ME
At in Scarborough and Gorham ME, we know that keeping your breath fresh during braces or Invisalign treatment is important for your confidence and mouth health. Whether you have braces or Invisalign, we’re here to help you with personalized care and tips for keeping your mouth fresh and your smile bright.
If you’re looking for awesome orthodontic care, contact us! We can help you learn the best ways to keep your breath fresh during your treatment and make sure you get the most out of your orthodontic journey. Call us today to set up a consultation and learn how we can help you get the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve!