Invisalign is a great way to help straighten your teeth and achieve a beautiful smile. However, failing to follow the proper use and care during Invisalign treatment could result in developing a problem with bad breath.
Bad breath can be rather embarrassing and draw unwanted attention that you do not want. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help prevent bad breath from becoming an issue while using Invisalign.
- Always brush your teeth after eating and drinking. Before putting the aligners back into your mouth after eating or drinking, brush your teeth to remove plaque and food particles. Both plaque and food particles can create bacteria that causes bad breath.
- Never put the aligners back in without brushing. If you slide your aligners over your teeth without brushing after eating or drinking, you are creating an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and bad breath.
It is moist, damp, warm, and humid in the space under the aligners and around the teeth. Not only can bad breath become a problem, but also the foul odours created by the bacteria can absorb into your aligners and make them smell too.
- Rinse with mouthwash after brushing your teeth. Your dentist can recommend a mouthwash that helps fight bad breath and kills the bacteria that causes it. Swish it around your mouth for at least 30 seconds before spitting it out. Do not drink any water for at least 30 minutes after using the mouthwash.
- Always rinse your aligners before putting them back in your mouth. Take the time to rinse off the aligners in cool water. You can use your fingers to carefully and gently rub the insides of the aligners. You may use a soft toothbrush and gently brush the insides. Your dentist can also recommend a cleaning product that is safe for your aligners if you are having problems keeping them clean.
- Floss your teeth at least once a day. You should make it a habit to floss your teeth to remove plaque and food particles trapped in between teeth. A good time to floss is in the evening after brushing, before going to bed.
- Visit your dentist on a regular basis during your Invisalign treatment. It is important to come in for visits periodically during treatment. These visits help ensure your treatment is proceeding on schedule. In addition, these visits allow you to address any concerns you are experiencing, like bad breath.
- Visit your dentist twice a year for regular cleanings. You should also have your teeth cleaned at least twice a year to help remove any plaque or tartar you cannot reach with regular brushing and flossing. These cleanings help to keep bad breath causing bacteria in check.
By following these tips, you will not have to worry about bad breath becoming an issue while working on getting that great looking smile you deserve with Invisalign. For more information about Invisalign treatment, addressing problems with bad breath, or other oral care concerns, please feel free to contact Kennedy Square Dental at (905) 789-7339 today!
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