7 definitive steps to eliminate bad breath in orthodontics

Last update: 19-06-1404 Confirming doctor: Dr. Alireza Khadivi Author: Yasman Farjami

Does orthodontics cause bad breath? This is one of the most frequent questions asked by many people who are thinking about straightening their teeth. The fact is that bad breath is a common problem in orthodontics, but it can be easily controlled by following the principles of oral and dental hygiene. Accumulation of plaque, food particles stuck around the brackets and decrease in saliva are the most important factors that may cause unpleasant odor.

In this article, we will carefully examine the causes of bad breath during orthodontic treatment, solutions to solve it, effective foods and the right time to see a specialist.

List of titles Show The cause of bad breath in orthodontics Accumulation of plaque and trapping of food particles Gingivitis and periodontal diseases Tongue coating and bacteria on the tongue Dry mouth (decreased saliva flow) and mouth breathing Improper maintenance of removable orthodontics (retainer, clear aligner) Food, cigarettes and drugs 7 tips to eliminate bad breath in orthodontics 1. Correct and frequent brushing (especially around brackets) 2. Daily use of dental floss or special orthodontic thread 3. Tongue cleaning (tongue scraping) 4. Correct cleaning and maintenance of aligners and retainers 5. Cautious use of disinfectant mouthwashes 6. Drinking water, controlling mouth breathing and modifying lifestyle 7. Control of oral bacteria by following a proper diet See a specialist because of bad breath Foods to eliminate bad breath in orthodontics Frequently asked questions Does orthodontics cause bad breath? Can you chew gum in orthodontics to get rid of bad breath? Related content

The cause of bad breath in orthodontics

The cause of bad breath in orthodontics should be found in the complex structure that brackets, wires and moving tools create in the mouth. In addition, gingivitis, tongue coating and dry mouth also aggravate these conditions. If your question is, does orthodontics cause bad breath? Read on to find out why.

Plaque accumulation and food particles getting stuck

The presence of brackets and wires creates more surfaces and gaps in the mouth that make cleaning more difficult; Bacterial plaque and food particles that remain between the bracket and the tooth or under the wires become a breeding ground for odor-producing bacteria and increase the production of foul-smelling gases over time. It is important to follow the specific methods of brushing and using interdental.

Gingivitis and periodontal diseases

Accumulated plaque causes inflammation of the gums and even bleeding. If it progresses to periodontal disease, the bad breath will become more intense as more bacteria accumulate under the gums. Diagnosis and treatment of gingivitis by a specialist is very important to eliminate orthodontics and bad breath.

Tongue coating (tongue coating) and bacteria on the tongue

The back surface of the tongue is where a layer of dead cells, mucus and bacteria accumulate, which is the main source of many types of bad odor; Even with the bracket, if the tongue is not cleaned daily with a toothbrush or scraper, this coating will independently produce an unpleasant odor. Tongue cleaning is an effective part of daily hygiene to reduce halitosis.

Dry mouth (decreased saliva flow) and mouth breathing

Dry mouth (decreased saliva flow) and mouth breathing during orthodontic treatment play an important role in aggravating the unpleasant odor. Saliva naturally cleans the mouth and keeps bacteria in check, but a decrease in it can lead to the accumulation of food particles and odor-causing bacteria. Patients who suffer from dry mouth or mouth breathing during orthodontics are more susceptible to unpleasant odors.

Improper maintenance of movable orthodontics (retainer, clear aligner)

Movable tools such as transparent aligners or retainers, if they are not cleaned with the appropriate method and frequency, will become a place for the accumulation of bacteria and fungi and a source of bad odor; Not cleaning it around the clock or putting it in your pocket or purse will make the problem worse. Detergents and cleaning methods recommended by an orthodontic specialist and regular visits are necessary.

Food, cigarettes and drugs

Consumption of fragrant foods such as garlic and onions, tobacco or medications that cause dry mouth, can intensify the unpleasant smell. These factors are effective even without brackets, but their effect is much more noticeable during orthodontics. Changing eating habits and quitting smoking help a lot to reduce bad breath in orthodontics.

7 tips to eliminate bad breath in orthodontics

As mentioned, the mouths of people with orthodontics are more exposed to unpleasant odors because brackets, wires and tools provide places for food to get stuck and plaque to form; But for bad breath treatment in orthodontics, it is very important to follow a strict oral hygiene routine and behavioral changes. Here are some tips to get rid of bad breath in orthodontics.

1. Correct and frequent brushing (especially around brackets)

brush your teeth at least twice a day and preferably after every meal; For orthodontics, use a toothbrush with a small head or a V-shaped or small head orthodontic toothbrush. Paying attention to how to brush teeth with braces is very important to completely remove plaque and food particles from around the brackets and wires.

When brushing, make an angle of 45 degrees to the gum line and make sure to clean under the wires and around the brackets with short and gentle movements. Cover both the front surface of the tooth, the top of the bracket and the gum line. An electric toothbrush with a rotating/oscillating motion can remove plaque better, but more important than the type of toothbrush is consistency and precision in the technique.

2. Daily use of dental floss or special orthodontic floss

Threading once a day (especially at night) is necessary; Use tools like floss-threader or Superfloss to pass the thread under the wires. Place the thread around the tooth in a C shape and clean the gum and the side of the tooth with up-down movements to remove stuck particles and plaque.

If the distance between the teeth is large, use a graded interdental brush according to the size of the space between the teeth, these tools are very effective for cleaning around the brackets.

3. Cleaning the language (language scraping)

Part of bad breath is often related to the back coating of the tongue, which includes dead cells and bacteria; Clean the tongue several times daily with a tongue scraper or the back of a toothbrush and then rinse the mouth. If you feel nauseous with this movement, start with more superficial movements; Cleaning the tongue means significantly reducing foul-smelling gases (such as sulfur compounds).

4. Correct cleaning and maintenance of aligners and retainers

Remove clear aligners and retainers before eating or drinking (not water); Clean them every day with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water and wash them regularly at least once a week with a special washing solution or retainer cleaning tablet (according to the manufacturer's instructions).

Never store the retainer in an envelope or tissue and avoid very hot water because the plastic will change shape. Sometimes these same mobile tools are the direct source of bad breath in orthodontics.

5. Cautious use of disinfectant mouthwash

Using orthodontic mouthwash recommended by a professional can help reduce plaque and odor-causing bacteria. For short periods (for example, a few weeks), use the mouthwash recommended by the dentist.

Note that some solutions (such as chlorhexidine) can change the color or taste of the teeth in long-term use, so be sure to consult an orthodontist or dentist before long-term use. For everyday use, options without alcohol or containing Xylitol and CPC can be more suitable.

6. Drinking water, controlling oral breathing and modifying lifestyle

Keeping the mouth moist by drinking water regularly increases the flow of saliva and helps keep the mouth clean.

Check mouth breathing; If you suffer from nasal congestion or apnea, it is necessary to see an otolaryngologist, because mouth breathing causes dryness and increases bad breath in orthodontics. Also, quitting smoking and reducing the consumption of aromatic foods (garlic, onion) or consuming them after brushing teeth can be effective.

7. Control of oral bacteria by following a proper diet

The accumulation of bacteria around the brackets and wires leads to the production of sulfurous compounds and unpleasant odors. Consuming foods containing probiotics (such as yogurt) can maintain the microbial balance of the mouth and reduce the growth of bad-smelling bacteria.

Also, limiting the consumption of sugary and starchy foods helps to reduce plaque and control bad breath. Observing this point together with strict hygiene has a scientific and significant effect in reducing unpleasant odors in orthodontics.

Refer to a specialist because of bad breath

If bad breath continues in orthodontics despite careful oral and dental hygiene (brushing, flossing, tongue washing, and cleaning orthodontic appliances) or if it is severe enough to be noticed by the people around you, it is better to inform the orthodontist or dentist.

Also, if you notice symptoms such as inflammation and bleeding gums, persistent dry mouth, discoloration or deposits on the brackets and retainer, or a strong smell, especially in the morning, it is necessary to refer. Sometimes the cause of bad breath can be gum disease, tonsil or sinus problems, and even digestive disorders, which can only be diagnosed and treated by a professional examination.

Foods to eliminate bad breath in orthodontics

Choosing the right foods can, in addition to helping oral hygiene, temporarily reduce bad breath in orthodontics and create a feeling of freshness. Below are some useful foods:

Fresh apple and carrot: natural teeth cleaner
Celery: reduces unpleasant odor
Parsley and basil: natural mouth fresheners
Probiotic Yogurt: Regulation of Beneficial Bacteria
Green tea: inhibiting the growth of odorous bacteria
Sugarless chewing gum (xylitol): increasing saliva and rinsing the mouth
Cucumbers and citrus fruits: refreshing and stimulating saliva

FAQ

In the following, we will answer your frequently asked questions about removing bad breath in orthodontics.

Does orthodontics cause bad breath?

Yes, orthodontics can cause bad breath because brackets and wires create a good place for food to get stuck and plaque to accumulate. If oral hygiene is not fully observed, bacteria grow and create an unpleasant smell.

Careful brushing, flossing for orthodontics and cleaning the tongue can solve this problem to a great extent.

Can you chew gum in orthodontics to get rid of bad breath?

Chewing gum in orthodontics is not recommended because it is possible to break the brackets or bend the orthodontic wire. Also, the sugar in the gum can cause tooth decay and bad breath over time.

If you want to use gum, remember to avoid hard gums and preferably use gum containing Zitol.

To sum up, bad breath in orthodontics is a common but completely preventable problem; This problem can be controlled and you can enjoy orthodontic treatment with peace of mind by following the strict oral and dental hygiene, choosing the right foods and visiting the specialist regularly.

To receive more specialized advice, it is recommended to visit Dr. Khadivi, orthodontist in Tehran, to provide the best solutions to maintain the health and freshness of the mouth during the treatment.

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