If you are one who has braces as well as bad breath, which is also known as halitosis, then you have poor oral hygiene, and it’s time to step it up a notch.
Bad breath generally occurs when food gets stuck in your mouth and the bacteria on that food lets out an odor. This is very common for people with braces because food tends to get stuck in the appliance frequently. So, to finally free yourself from the bad breath, please do the following things:
· Brush your teeth: Because food tends to cling to the appliance, it’s best that you brush your teeth after each meal. Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. If you cannot brush after each meal, do your best to rinse your mouth with water.
· Floss your smile: Flossing will also help you remove the food particles from the crevices and hard-to-reach areas of your smile. You can also floss after each meal for best results—just make sure you are gentle along the gum line as you do so. If you need flossing tips, please feel free to talk to our orthodontic team.
· Use mouthwash: Mouthwash is a beneficial and handy tool that will complete the cleaning job and will also give you a freshened breath. We recommend using a rinse that is either fluoride or antibacterial mouthwash.
If you do these three things, you will have a cleaner smile and fresher breath. If you have any questions or if you would like to learn more tips, please feel free to call Quality Orthodontic Care at 770-609-3270 and talk to a member of our caring orthodontic team. Dr. John Fleming will also be happy to help you if you schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.