How to Keep Your Breath Fresh with Braces or Invisalign
Managing Oral Hygiene During Your Orthodontic Journey
Having a fresh breath isn’t just about feeling good—it helps boost your confidence! Whether you’re talking with friends, giving a presentation, or taking pictures, bad breath can make you feel uneasy.
Braces and Invisalign both require extra attention to oral hygiene. Braces have brackets and wires that can trap food, while Invisalign aligners must be kept clean to avoid bacteria buildup. Keeping your mouth fresh isn’t just about smelling good—it’s also an important part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy during treatment.
Common Challenges with Braces
Braces are great for straightening teeth, but they can make cleaning your mouth a little harder. Here’s why:
- Food Gets Stuck Easily – Brackets and wires create small spaces where food can get trapped, leading to bacteria buildup.
- Plaque Forms Faster – Braces give plaque more surfaces to cling to, which can cause bad breath if not removed.
- Hard-to-Reach Areas – Brushing and flossing take more time and effort to clean around brackets and wires properly.
Common Challenges with Invisalign
While Invisalign aligners don’t have brackets, they still require special care to maintain fresh breath:
- Bacteria Can Get Trapped – If aligners aren’t cleaned properly, bacteria and food particles can build up, causing bad breath.
- Wearing Aligners for Long Hours – Since aligners must be worn 22+ hours a day, any trapped bacteria or food can lead to odor.
- Dry Mouth – Some people experience dry mouth with Invisalign, which allows bacteria to grow and cause bad breath.
How to Keep Your Breath Fresh with Braces
If you have braces, a good oral care routine is key to keeping your breath fresh. Try these tips:
- Brush After Every Meal – Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean around your brackets and wires for at least two minutes.
- Use Special Brushes – Interdental brushes help clean small spaces around brackets and wires where regular toothbrushes can’t reach.
- Floss Every Day – Use a floss threader or water flosser to remove food and plaque from between your teeth.
- Rinse with Mouthwash – An antibacterial mouthwash helps kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Keep a Travel Toothbrush with You – Brushing after meals, even when you’re not at home, helps prevent food from sitting in your braces.
- Drink More Water – Water helps wash away bacteria and prevents dry mouth, which can lead to bad breath.
How to Keep Your Breath Fresh with Invisalign
Because Invisalign is removable, it’s easier to clean your teeth—but only if you follow these steps:
- Clean Your Aligners Daily – Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water and gently brush them to remove bacteria and plaque.
- Brush and Floss Before Putting Aligners Back In – Always clean your teeth before reinserting your aligners to prevent bacteria from getting trapped.
- Avoid Smelly Foods – Foods like garlic, onions, and sugary snacks can cause bad breath and make aligners smell bad.
- Scrape Your Tongue – Bacteria can collect on your tongue, so using a tongue scraper helps keep your breath fresh.
- Drink Plenty of Water – Staying hydrated helps prevent dry mouth and washes away bacteria.
Keep Your Breath Fresh with Help from Race Orthodontics
At Race Orthodontics in Brookfield and Mukwonago, WI, we know that fresh breath is an important part of a confident smile. Whether you have braces or Invisalign, our team is here to help with expert care and personalized advice.
Looking for top-quality orthodontic care? Contact us. We’re ready to help you achieve a fresh, healthy, and confident smile. Schedule your consultation now!
