Often referred to as halitosis, Bad Breath is a common and treatable condition. It has been reported that 25% of individuals living worldwide will experience a foul, smelling odor on their breath in their lifetime. Unfortunately, individuals with braces can put themselves at a great risk of developing halitosis while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Like any visit to a health care professional, a patient may be embarrassed talking about this condition. Speaking up can be a team approach when it comes to addressing the causes and prevention of halitosis.
Here are Some Common Causes of Bad Breath:
-
You Are What You Eat
Not only do the teeth do a great job of chewing food but sometimes the job description may include stowaway food particles between the teeth. With braces, food particles find joy in hiding between the tiny crevices of any orthodontic appliance. Thus, these food particles can create an odor in the mouth which can appear in the breath.
-
You Are What You Drink
Whether it is a soda you had at a family gathering or a new drink to replenish electrolytes after a tough workout, any type of drink will have an impact on your teeth and mouth. The chemical compounds in these drinks break down in the mouth which can cause an unpleasant odor that can linger until the next time you brush your teeth.
In addition to chemical compounds, drinks can steal teeth which can make it more difficult to keep the teeth clean and healthy especially for people with braces.
-
Plaque Attack = Bad Breath
After eating or drinking, the coating on your teeth (enamel) goes to work to prevent harmful acidic substances from damaging the teeth. The damage to teeth results in the formation of plaque. Plaque buildup can cause halitosis. Regular oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing can help reduce the damaging affects of the plaque. However, braces can be a safe haven for plaque and halitosis.
-
Prone To Dry Mouth
Individuals who experience dry mouth are at a greater risk of developing halitosis. Without extra moisture in the mouth, braces become a breeding ground for food particles. The food particles can become trapped which will can lead to halitosis.
Here are Some Ways to Prevent Bad Breath:
-
Don’t Skip Out On Brushing And Flossing
Brushing and flossing should be part of a regular oral hygiene routine. However, individuals with braces must step up their brushing and flossing game to keep halitosis from getting a high score on a dental health checklist. Portable flossers a must have for anyone with braces.
A quick look in the mirror with a flosser can pull out unwanted food particles if you can’t fit in brushing after a snack or meal. Dr. Schulof and his team will let you know what are the best practices to keep your teeth through all phases of orthodontic treatment.
-
Hydration Is Key
Staying hydrated is a great way to keep braces clean and healthy. Increasing the intake of water throughout the day will ensure that food particles and other harmful bacteria will not invade the structure of the braces. Individuals who experience dry mouth need more water in their diet to increase the production of saliva in the mouth to ward off halitosis.
-
Swish, Swish, Swish
Before heading out the door, a quick swish of mouthwash will have your breath smelling fresher and help neutralize any odors that can linger in the mouth. A small bottle of mouthwash can be tossed in a backpack or desk drawer in the office for an impromptu swish in between meals for a fresh breath.
-
Watch What You Eat
A healthy diet is a great benefit to ensure the health and wellness of the entire body. For the teeth especially those who are sporting the newest orthodontic fashion, lean meats, proteins and vegetables will inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria that can contribute to the development of halitosis.
-
Think Before You Drink
Before you chose a sports drink or a glass of soda, the best thirst quencher is water. Water is a great for people with braces because it will help release trapped food particles and decrease the buildup of harmful plaque.
-
Show Invisible Braces Some Love
Don’t forget to keep your aligners in optimal working order by proper cleaning techniques. Unlike traditional braces, invisible braces can collect bacteria and food particles because this appliance has a snug fit on the teeth. A regular bath in an antibacterial cleanser will keep the appliance clean and pristine. Make sure that the antibacterial cleanser is suitable for orthodontic appliances.
-
Keep On Top Of Dental Visits
Finally, regular visits to a dental professional is a surefire way to ensure a clean bill of dental health. For people who experience halitosis, speaking to dental professional is the first step in treating and maintaining this common dental condition. During a scheduled visit, Dr. Schulhof and his team can help address any causes and prevention of halitosis.
A FREE Consultation Awaits
Top-rated orthodontist, Dr. Adam Schulhof has a passion for providing cutting edge treatment for patients searching for the ultimate orthodontic experience. Long gone are the days of old-school braces: when the term “brace face” was uttered frequently and the haunting image of the head gear mechanism lurking in the night.
Now, teenagers and adults can achieve the perfect smile riding the wave of up-to-date orthodontic treatment: invisible and lingual braces. Dr. Schulhof strives to be the premier provider of state-of-art of dental and orthodontic options for pediatric and adult patients.
Accordingly, with offices throughout New York City and New Jersey, The Schulhof Center for Cosmetic Procedures (New York City) and The Schulhof Center of KinderSmiles (New Jersey) can help address the causes and prevention of halitosis with patients at all phases of orthodontic treatment.
Schedule a free consultation at The Schulhof Center for Cosmetic Procedures at (212) 861-1859 or The Schulhof Center of KinderSmiles at (201) 523-9450 to find out what the best orthodontic treatment option is for you and how we can help deal with any type of dental issue that could arise during treatment.
Like what you read? Comment below or CLICK on an APP LOGO to follow us and share the conversation
Bad Breath [What is the Causes and How to Prevent]