What Causes Bad Breath While Wearing Braces Or Retainers?

What Causes Bad Breath While Wearing Braces Or Retainers?
Posted on 01/27/2016

Do braces or retainers cause bad breath? We hear that question a lot, and it is an understandable one. Many people believe that some part of their appliances must be causing the stench. However, this is not the case. Braces or retainers contribute to bad breath just as much as normal teeth do. The real culprit is halitosis-inducing bacteria.

Blame It On The Bacteria

Bacteria live in your mouth and can form plaque deposits on your teeth or appliances. Many strains of bacteria emit an unpleasant odor when they accumulate in large enough numbers, and without proper, consistent care, orthodontic appliances can create the perfect conditions. That is because the cracks, crevices, and corners of appliances form the perfect hiding places for bacterial colonies, and can be radiators for bad breath.

Thankfully, there is a lot you can do to stop it. For starters, you will need to be religious about oral hygiene. Brush in the morning, at night, and after every meal, and at least four times daily. Also be sure to floss at least once a day and use a fluoridated mouthwash. We would also recommend picking up an interdental (pine-tree shaped) toothbrush to help keep things clean. If you are wearing a retainer, you will need to brush your retainer every time you take it out or put it in and soak it in a denture-cleaning tablet once every few days. By carefully following these guidelines, you can reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth and stave off halitosis.

Contact Your Local Warminster Orthodontists Today With Any Questions!

Have more questions about keeping your teeth clean and healthy with braces? We are always happy to answer them! Feel free to call us at (215) 674-0332 or reach out to us at our contact page with any questions or to schedule an appointment at our Warminster, PA office. We cannot wait to hear from you, and we look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile!