If you recently got braces in Oxford, NC and have found that you’ve developed bad breath, also known as halitosis, there’s a good chance that it’s being caused by bacteria remaining in your mouth. Your braces give bacteria many more crevices to hide in, making it extremely important to increase your focus on oral hygiene. Here are five tips for better breath when you have braces.
Tip #1: Brush & Floss More Often
Oral hygiene is extremely important, especially when you have braces. If you have bad breath even though you’re brushing twice a day, it may be time to increase the number of times you brush and floss to 3-5 times a day. If you’re at work or school in the Oxford, NC area, bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, and some dental floss with you so that you can keep your mouth feeling clean throughout your day. This should minimize bad breath.
Tip #2: Replace Your Toothbrush
The American Dental Association recommends that you replace your toothbrush once every three or four months. However, if you find that you feel sick, don’t have fresh breath, or the bristles on your toothbrush are frayed, you may want to replace your toothbrush more often. Thousands of germs hide out on your toothbrush, and when you have braces, it’s important to keep those germs under control.
Tip #3: Use Anti-Bacterial Mouthwash
One excellent way to kill more bacteria than with brushing alone is to use mouthwash. Not only does mouthwash get into the spaces between your teeth (especially after flossing), it also kills germs and bacteria that still remain in your mouth. If you have a sensitive mouth and find that mouthwash burns too much, look for a rinse that specifically states that it doesn’t burn on the label. If you want to go a more natural route, you can also add several drops of tea tree oil and peppermint oil to water in a clean mason jar, along with a little baking soda. This solution tastes strange, but it doesn’t burn at all and tea tree oil is anti-bacterial, so it will help disinfect your mouth and kill bacteria.
Tip #4: Get a Water Pick
These devices are available at many different price points and from many different brands. Water picks are designed to clean not only the teeth but the miniscule spaces between your teeth and gums, even your braces where bacteria are hardest to reach. When you start using a water pick, you may find that your gums bleed at first, just like they might when you first begin flossing regularly. This inflammation of the gums will decrease as you use your water pick daily, helping to keep your teeth healthy and white as well as eliminating bad breath germs.
Tip #5: Breath Mints
If you’ve increased your oral hygiene habits and still find yourself feeling self-conscious about bad breath, you may be able to temporarily combat this with breath mints or fresheners. Although you should avoid gum and sticky sweets while you have braces, you can still enjoy breath mints as your mouth adjusts to your new oral hygiene habits.
When you are ready to explore and learn about the braces and orthodontic treatment options that are best for you, call 919.383.7423 or click here to schedule your Wilson Smile Analysis at our orthodontics office in Oxford, NC.
This information is not meant as medical advice. It is provided solely for education. Our Oxford orthodontics office would be pleased to discuss your unique circumstances and needs as they relate to these topics.
Wilson Orthodontics
Durham & Oxford, NC’s Top Rated Orthodontist For Braces
Dr. Wilson, a 5-star rated orthodontist in Durham and Oxford, NC offers the most advanced braces for children and adults, including metal braces, Invisalign clear aligners, SureSmile and other orthodontic treatment.
Contact us today for a complimentary consultation for braces at either of our orthodontic offices conveniently located in Durham and Oxford, North Carolina (NC).
Wilson Orthodontics Of Durham
2900 Croasdaile Dr. Suite 3
Durham, NC 27705
919.383.7423
Wilson Orthodontics Of Oxford
912 College Street
Oxford, NC 27565
919.690.8100