Does Your Breath Stink?

Kelly Orthodontics

We understand that bad breath can be an uncomfortable subject to talk about but unfortunately it happens to most people for several different reasons. Bad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by poor oral hygiene, personal habits such as smoking or eating certain foods, or medical problems. The most common factor for bad breath in patients with braces at Kelly Orthodontics is almost certainly caused by poor oral hygiene.

After getting braces, patients may develop bad breath from not cleaning their teeth correctly. Bacteria feeds on food particles left in your mouth, and this bacterium creates odor. Because braces contain so many small spaces to trap food, the habits that worked great for cleaning your teeth before braces may no longer be enough. If you recently gotten braces and have found that you have developed bad breath, there is a good chance that it’s being caused by bacteria remaining in your mouth.

Six Steps for Better Breath When You Have Braces.

Step 1: Brush & Floss Often - Oral hygiene is extremely important, especially when you have braces. If you have bad breath even though you’re brushing twice a day, it may be time to increase the number of times you brush and floss to 3-5 times a day. Bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, and some dental floss with you to work and/or school so that you can keep your mouth feeling clean throughout your day.

Step 2: Stay Hydrated - Dehydration is bad for both your overall health and your oral health as it can increase the chances of bad breath greatly. Drink a lot of water every day to keep your mouth constantly clean and moist.

Step 3: Replace Your Toothbrush – Thousands of germs hide out on your toothbrush, and when you have braces, it’s important to keep those germs under control. Dr. Kelly and his team recommend that you replace your toothbrush once every three to four months. However, if you find that you feel sick, don’t have fresh breath, or the bristles on your toothbrush are frayed, you may want to replace your toothbrush more often.

Step 4: Use Anti-Bacterial Mouthwash - One excellent way to kill order causing bacteria is to use mouthwash. Not only does mouthwash get into the spaces between your braces, but it also kills germs and bacteria that remain in your mouth.

Step 5: Get a Water Pick – Water Picks are available at many different price points and from many different brands. Water picks are designed to clean the miniscule spaces between your teeth and gums.

Step 6: Breath Mints - If you have established a proper dental health routine but you still feel self-conscious about having bad breath, you can temporarily freshen your mouth with sugar-free breath mints.

Remember to schedule regular dental visits. Scheduling regular dental visits will help you keep any tooth and gum problems at bay as well as to rectify any oral health issues that may be contributing to bad breath or affecting your braces.

For more information on fighting bad breath visit our website or give one of our friendly team members a call...we are here to help.

Caring For Your Invisalign Aligners

Kelly Orthodontics

Did you know over 8 million people across the U.S. have had orthodontic treatment using Invisalign? That includes many people right here in our St. Charles community.

Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created for you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable, and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements that Dr. Kelly plans out for you.

It is important that your take care of your Invisalign aligners to ensure they are doing their best in helping shape your teeth according to your Invisalign treatment plan.

One of Invisalign’s biggest advantages is having the ability to take the aligners out when you want to eat and drink… but that doesn't mean they don't get dirty. Keeping your aligners clean is a vital part of your treatment, and it's the only way to keep them invisible, odorless, and free from germs. Without proper cleaning, your aligners can discolor, smell, and build up deposits of plaque and bacteria that can eat away at the enamel on your teeth.

Caring for your Invisalign aligners is easy. 

Just follow these simple Do's and Don'ts when wearing Invisalign:

DO Soak Your Aligners At least Once a Day: If you want to keep your Invisalign looking and smelling great, you need to soak your aligners at least once per day. You can use denture cleaners or the cleaning crystals made by Invisalign. After finishing the soak, brush away all food particles and plaque with a toothbrush that is not the same one you use for brushing your teeth. After you are done brushing, rinse your aligners with warm water before you slip it back into your mouth.

DON’T Boil Your Aligners: The hot water will distort the trays. It is not safe to place your Invisalign aligners into the dishwasher or in boiling water. Warm water should be fine for rinsing them. But the best way to clean your aligners is with a clean toothbrush and cool water.

DO Brush Carefully: Ideally, you want to brush your Invisalign aligners every time you take them out or before you put them back in. But be careful, as overzealous brushing can leave visible marks and scratches on your aligners.

DON’T Use Toothpaste: Toothpaste is great for your teeth, but it can harm your aligners. When you brush them, do so gently and without toothpaste.

DO Brush and Floss Your Teeth Before Wearing Invisalign: Your teeth and gums should stay clean and healthy. Regular brushing and flossing are important to keep your teeth clean and strong. Always ensure that your teeth are clean before putting your Invisalign aligners back into your mouth.

DON’T Clean Your Invisalign Using Colored or Scented Soaps: Make sure to avoid using substances with strong colors and scents. Colored or scented soaps can leave some residue on your Invisalign trays, resulting in discoloration in the long run.

DO Consider Snacks Carefully: Invisalign’s effectiveness depends on whether you can wear it for 20-22 hours a day. If you want to eat something that would impact your Invisalign aligners, you will need to take them out of your mouth. Be sure to keep snacking throughout the day to a minimum to ensure your Invisalign aligners are in place as long as possible.

DON’T Leave the Aligners Laying Out: Store your aligners in their case when you are not using them. If you leave them in the open air, you will risk exposing them to airborne pathogens, building up bacteria. Also, you’re more likely to lose or damage your aligners if you don’t store them in their case.

If you have questions about caring for your Invisalign aligners, we are here to help! Feel free to reach out to us or use our easy online form to schedule an appointment in our St. Charles orthodontic office.