Fresh Breath With Braces and Invisalign: Easy Tips

Getting braces or Invisalign is an exciting step toward a best smile! But it also means you need to take extra care of your mouth. One common worry many people have is how to keep their breath fresh while wearing braces or aligners. This guide from Dr. Gordon C. Honig and Dr. Lisa Honig at Honig Orthodontics in Middletown and Newark, DE will help you maintain fresh breath throughout your treatment.

Why Fresh Breath Matters When You Have Braces or Invisalign

Having fresh breath helps you feel confident when talking with friends, participating in class, or taking photos. When you have braces or Invisalign, your mouth needs extra attention to prevent bacteria and food particles from causing bad breath.

With braces, food can get stuck in the brackets and wires. With Invisalign, bacteria can build up on aligners if they aren’t cleaned properly. Taking care of your breath isn’t just about smelling good—it’s an important part of keeping your mouth healthy during your orthodontic treatment.

Challenges with Braces

Braces make it harder to keep your mouth clean because:

• Food gets trapped in brackets and wires
• Plaque builds up more easily on the extra surfaces
• It’s difficult to reach all areas of your teeth when brushing

Challenges with Invisalign

Invisalign aligners come with their own challenges:

• They can trap moisture and bacteria against your teeth
• You wear them for at least 22 hours each day
• They might cause dry mouth, which can lead to bad breath

Tips for Fresh Breath with Braces

Follow these steps to keep your breath fresh with braces:

1. Brush after every meal. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush for two minutes, paying special attention to the areas around brackets.
2. Use special brushes. Interdental brushes are small brushes that can clean between brackets and wires where food gets stuck.
3. Floss daily. Use a floss threader to get under wires, or try a water flosser to remove food and bacteria between teeth.
4. Use mouthwash. An antibacterial mouthwash with fluoride helps reduce bacteria and freshens your breath.
5. Carry a travel toothbrush. Keep a small toothbrush and toothpaste in your backpack or locker to clean your teeth after lunch.
6. Drink plenty of water. Water helps rinse away food particles and keeps your mouth from getting dry.

Tips for Fresh Breath with Invisalign

If you have Invisalign aligners, try these strategies:

1. Clean your aligners regularly. Rinse them with lukewarm water whenever you take them out. Gently brush them with a toothbrush (but not toothpaste, which can scratch them). You can also use Invisalign cleaning crystals.
2. Brush and floss before putting aligners back in. Always clean your teeth before reinserting your aligners to avoid trapping food particles.
3. Watch what you eat. Be careful with foods that cause strong breath odors, like garlic, onions, and sugary snacks.
4. Clean your tongue. Use a tongue scraper or your toothbrush to remove bacteria from your tongue.
5. Stay hydrated. Drink water throughout the day to prevent dry mouth and wash away bacteria.

Honig Orthodontics Can Help

At Honig Orthodontics in Middletown and Newark, DE understands how important fresh breath is for your confidence. Whether you have braces or Invisalign, we’re here to help with personalized advice for keeping your mouth fresh and your smile bright.

If you have questions about caring for your braces or Invisalign, contact us  today. We’ll help you get the most out of your orthodontic treatment and achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve!