No one can claim to like body odor.
Having orthodontics may cause bad breath. The main cause of bad breath can be the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth, especially if you fail to keep the mouth clean while having orthodontic brackets.
Leftover food in the mouth causes them to rot and cause bad breath.
But unfortunately, when you have orthodontics, mouthwash is not enough to get rid of bad breath. The bracket makes it easier for food residue and bacteria to collect in the gaps inside and around the brackets and wires. So if these brackets are not completely cleaned, the bad breath will intensify.
What causes bad breath when having orthodontic brackets?
The main cause of bad breath is bacteria. Food particles easily remain between the brackets and the small spaces between them.
If the particles are not cleaned, they become a food source for bacteria and give off a bad odor, especially if the teeth are not properly cared for. The main causes of poor dental hygiene are drinking alcohol, smoking, gum disease, and not having regular dental check-ups.
Here are 7 tips to have a pleasant mouth during orthodontics:
1- Brush and floss often.
Brush and floss regularly. Brush your teeth every morning after breakfast and at night before going to bed. You can also floss your teeth daily to remove food particles and prevent the formation of dental plaque. Flossing has many benefits, so don’t skip it.
2- Use antibacterial mouthwashes.
Use any type of antibacterial mouthwash in your daily routine to prevent gingivitis, plaque build-up, and bad breath.
3- Stay hydrated.
Lack of water is harmful to the general health of the body and the health of the mouth and teeth and increases the chance of developing bad breath.
This is because a dry mouth prevents the flow of saliva, which is used to eliminate food particles and bacteria caused by them, in the mouth. Drink plenty of water, about 1.5 liters a day, to keep your mouth clean and fresh.
4- Foods you should eat during orthodontics.
Avoid eating foods with a strong smell, such as garlic and onions. We all know that foods with a strong smell, such as garlic and onions, cause bad breath, so if you have orthodontic treatment, avoid eating these foods.
This case is more difficult, but try to avoid sweet foods as much as possible because these foods endanger oral health and cause tooth decay and bad breath.
5- Prepare a water pick.
Water picks are great for cleaning between brackets and the gum line, because their powerful jets are more effective at cleaning teeth than regular toothbrushes, plus they clean and deodorize the mouth.
6- Chew mint mouth freshener.
If you stick to your oral health routine but still worry about your mouth smelling bad, you can temporarily solve this problem by using mint fresheners.
7- Go to the dentist regularly for orthodontic visits.
During orthodontics, you should visit the dentist in Canada regularly for teeth cleaning and related examinations. Regular visits to the dentist will help you prevent tooth and gum problems, as well as address oral problems that may be affecting your bad breath or braces.
These seven points may seem difficult at first, but after some practice, they will become part of your oral care routine. In addition, you should know that most of these seven items, in addition to helping you during orthodontics, will also be beneficial for you after removing the brackets.
To simplify your life, it is better to always carry an oral care kit, including a toothbrush, suitable toothpaste, mouthwash, and dental floss so that your mouth is always free of plaque and clean. Visit an orthodontist regularly to keep your mouth clean and germ-free.