Fresh Breath Tips for Braces and Invisalign Users

Wearing braces or Invisalign is a great step toward a best smile! But sometimes, keeping your breath fresh during treatment can be a challenge. Food particles, plaque, and bacteria can build up in your mouth, leading to bad breath. The good news? With the right habits, you can keep your breath smelling fresh while working toward a healthier smile. Keep reading this blog by Dr. Kevin Theroux, Dr. Brooks Barefoot and Dr. Elizabeth Donahue and learn more about maintaining fresh breath while wearing braces or Invisalign.

Why Fresh Breath Matters

Fresh breath isn’t just about smelling good—it’s about feeling confident. Whether you’re talking to friends, or taking pictures, you don’t want to worry about bad breath. Plus, good oral hygiene helps your treatment go smoothly and keeps your teeth healthy.

Challenges of Keeping Fresh Breath with Braces

Braces have metal brackets and wires that can trap food and make cleaning tricky. Here are some common issues:

Food Gets Stuck: Bits of food can get caught in your braces, leading to bacteria buildup.
Plaque Accumulates: Braces create extra surfaces for plaque to grow, which can lead to bad breath.
Hard-to-Reach Areas: Brushing and flossing take more effort because braces make it harder to clean every part of your teeth.

Challenges of Keeping Fresh Breath with Invisalign

Invisalign is a clear, removable option, but it also comes with its own challenges:

Bacteria Trapped in Aligners: If not cleaned properly, aligners can trap bacteria against your teeth, leading to bad breath.
Wearing Aligners Most of the Day: Since aligners must be worn for about 22 hours a day, any food or plaque left on your teeth stays trapped longer.
Dry Mouth: Some people experience dry mouth with Invisalign, which can cause bad breath.

Tips for Fresh Breath with Braces

To keep your breath fresh while wearing braces, follow these simple tips:

Brush After Every Meal: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to clean around the brackets and wires.
Use an Interdental Brush: These small brushes help clean between brackets and wires.
Floss Daily: A floss threader or water flosser makes it easier to remove trapped food.
Use Mouthwash: An antibacterial mouthwash helps kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
Carry a Travel Toothbrush: If you’re out with friends, brushing after eating can help keep your breath fresh.
Drink Water: Staying hydrated washes away food particles and keeps your mouth from getting dry.

Tips for Fresh Breath with Invisalign

If you’re wearing Invisalign, these steps will help keep your breath fresh:

Clean Your Aligners Regularly: Rinse them every time you take them out. Use a toothbrush and mild soap (not toothpaste) to clean them.
Brush and Floss Before Putting Aligners Back In: This prevents trapping food and plaque under the aligners.
Avoid Smelly Foods: Onions, garlic, and sugary snacks can make your breath worse.
Use a Tongue Scraper: Bacteria on your tongue can cause bad breath, so clean it daily.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps prevent dry mouth and bad breath.

Total Orthodontics is Here to Help!

At Total Orthodontics in Lone Tree and Greenwood Village, CO our team wants to help you maintain fresh breath and a healthy smile during your orthodontic treatment. Whether you have braces or Invisalign, we’re here to guide you with personalized care and expert advice.

If you have questions or need more tips on keeping your breath fresh, contact us today to schedule an appointment. We’re excited to help you achieve a confident, healthy smile!