5 Ways to Keep Bad Breath at Bay While Undergoing Invisalign Treatment
Posted on: 3 March 2021
Some patients complain that they suffer from bad breath while undergoing Invisalign treatment. But Invisalign aligners don't cause bad breath. The cause of bad breath during Invisalign treatment stems from the oral habits of the patients undergoing the treatment. These oral habits, when combined with Invisalign aligners, can lead to bad breath.
Fortunately, if you are about to undergo Invisalign treatment, you can take steps to ensure that bad breath never becomes a problem during your treatment.
1. Avoid eating in your aligners
When you enjoy a meal, remove your aligners. Not only can food stain your aligners permanently, but it can also lead to bad breath. This is especially true if you leave your aligners in after eating with them, since the food debris in your mouth and trapped in your trays will begin to decay and give off an unpleasant odour.
2. Keep your mouth well hydrated throughout the day
One of the best ways to keep bad breath at bay in any situation is to drink plenty of water. Water flushes the stinky bacteria out of your mouth. Water also increases saliva production, which acts as a natural antibacterial agent. Since bacteria are to blame for bad breath, water is your best friend.
3. Brush your teeth after every meal
Even if you remove your aligners to eat, if you put your aligners back in without first cleaning your teeth, you'll trap the food debris in your mouth. As the food rots and bacterial organisms feast on it, your breath will begin to smell. Always brush your teeth after a meal before putting your aligner back in your mouth.
4. Use alcohol and sugar-free mouth spray with your aligners
To keep your breath fresh throughout the day, use an alcohol and sugar-free breath freshener spray. This won't damage your aligner or your teeth, and your breath will stay fresh throughout the day.
5. Rinse your trays if you notice food debris on or around them
If you do notice any food debris on your aligners, rinse the debris off as soon as possible. As you already know, trapped food debris rots and gives off a bad odour.
If you get used to doing these things while undergoing a course of Invisalign, bad breath won't become an issue for you. If you do still find that you suffer from bad breath during Invisalign treatment, then the cause could be due to something else, such as gum disease or a cavity. If in doubt, see your dentist and have them examine your mouth for any hidden oral conditions.
Contact a local dentist to learn more about Invisalign.
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