orthodontist Paramus

The first days of having braces are bizarre. They’re uncomfortable. In addition to the pain that braces cause to your teeth, they also make the inside of your lips hurt until they develop callouses. Unless you want a piece of apple peel stuck in your mouth for the remainder of the day, you’re going to have to switch up your diet. And last but not least, they make your breath stink. That last one tends to go under the radar, but it’s a real thing, and taking it seriously will serve you well.

The upside to having braces is two-fold. Firstly, it’s an investment in pursuit of a healthier and more attractive smile. Healthy looking teeth can lead to higher confidence, a better social life, more professional opportunities, and better hygiene. Secondly, as is the case with any new challenge in life, braces forces you to develop better habits. Oral maintenance when you have braces is on a different level than without them. And if you neglect to keep up with oral maintenance, it will show. In other words there’s incentive for you to develop better habits for oral hygiene that you can carry with you for years after you take the braces off.

If you’d like to build some better habits, here are a few tips on how to keep your breath smelling fresh, even with braces.

Up The Daily Floss And Brush Routine By A Lot

Everyone should be brushing and flossing at least twice a day, regardless of whether they have braces. Most dentists will even recommend a third time after lunch. When you’ve got braces, that routine needs to go up dramatically. Anytime you consume any type of food, you should be brushing afterward. That definitely pertains to lunch. But also after consuming snacks, sugary beverages, etc. On top of that, flossing is also crucial.

Flossing Has Never Been So Important

Food is a lot more likely to get stuck between your gums and teeth when you have braces. The longer it sticks around there, the smellier it gets. For this reason, flossing is a lot more important when you’ve got braces, not just for hygienic purposes, but for social ones as well. Flossing will rid of the lingering junk that’s building in bacteria and smelly odors.

Keep A Steady Flow Of New Toothbrushes

Your toothbrush takes a lot of abuse when you’ve got braces. You’ll notice that within as little as one week’s time, the bristles on what was once a brand new toothbrush suddenly look like something with which the dogs had their way. When this happens, the brush becomes less effective. To combat this issue, make it your mission to look ahead and buy in bulk. Be ready to replace your brush at least once a week,

Mouthwash Is A Life Saver

Rinsing does more than just give you fresh breath, it also kills germs and bacteria. In reality, they work hand in hand, since it’s the germs and bacteria that’s causing the bad breath. Why not kill two birds with one stone. The more you rinse, the healthier your mouth will be, and you’ll also smell nice and fresh.

Keep Some Tic-Tacs On Hand Just In Case

Now this strategy should be your last resort. Popping a handful of mints is not going to make your mouth any healthier. When you have bad breath, your body is sending you a message that it needs attention. But sometimes, and only sometimes, there are just no other options. If you don’t have access to a toothbrush or mouthwash and are about to go head into a social setting where you’ll be in close proximity to a room full judgmental folks of the opposite sex, taking some minty cough drops isn’t a crime.

For more tips, tricks, and the best orthodontist Paramus services in Ridgewood, call Pediatric Dental Associates at (201) 652-7024.