Your smile shouldn’t just look good; it should smell good. Not only can bad breath be a social inhibitor, but it can also indicate a need for a closer look at your oral care. Whether you are suffering from coffee breath or wake up feeling less than refreshed, here are some ways that you can tackle halitosis, or bad breath:

 

Tips for a fresh smile:

 

• Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water can help combat bad breath. A common cause of bad breath is a dry mouth. When your mouth is dry, bacteria and food particles can sit undisturbed in your mouth and develop into plaque. Water can combat dry mouth, flushing bacteria or particles trapped in your braces.

 

• Brush and floss: Bacteria can easily collect in the brackets and wires of your braces. By brushing and flossing twice a day, you can help limit the amount of plaque on your teeth and get rid of any food caught in appliances. Don’t forget to clean your aligners or retainers as well! Those can become smelly and stained if you aren’t regularly brushing away plaque.

 

• Replace your toothbrush: The rule of thumb is to replace your toothbrush at least every three months—or sooner if you’ve been sick. If your toothbrush isn’t fresh, it won’t be able to clean your teeth properly and might even make your halitosis worse.

 

• Brush your tongue: The coating of your tongue is home to many smelly bacteria. Try brushing your tongue to get rid of them or consider using a specialized tongue scraper if you find your toothbrush tricky to maneuver.

 

• Breath mints: For a quick pick-me-up for your breath, try some breath mints with a minty-fresh scent. Make sure to pick up the sugar-free kind, as many are packed with sugar, making your breath worse over time. Those with braces should be sure to pick mints over gum, which can get caught in your wires. Just be sure to never bite a hard mint to avoid damaging your appliances!

 

• Antibacterial mouthwash: Swishing with an antibacterial mouthwash can quickly fix bad breath. The mouthwash’s antibacterial property can kill bacteria that exacerbate morning breath, giving you a smile refresh. Ask your orthodontist or dentist for mouthwash recommendations.

 

• Regular dental and orthodontic appointments: If your halitosis is chronic, you should speak to a dental professional. Six-month cleanings can keep bad breath at bay. If hard-to-clean teeth are causing your bad breath, an orthodontist can suggest treatment options to make oral hygiene a breeze.

 

Schedule an appointment

 

Ready to take control of your orthodontic health? At Carolina Braces, our experts will answer any questions you may have about your teeth and oral health. Schedule an appointment to begin your journey to your best smile.