How do I stop my braces from smelling?

You can also learn about the orthodontic treatment process too.
  1. Brush and Floss Regularly.
  2. Use Antibacterial Mouthwash.
  3. Stay Hydrated.
  4. Eat the Right Foods.
  5. Use Breath Mints.
  6. Use a Water Pick.
  7. Regular Orthodontic Visits.
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Is it normal for braces to smell?

The reason bad breath is more common with braces is that the hardware of braces makes it easier for tiny particles of food to get trapped underneath the brackets and wires. These foods are broken down by bacteria, and a by-product of that process is an unpleasant smell: halitosis, or bad breath.
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Why do my braces taste bad?

Patients who wear traditional metal braces often experience some degree of discomfort when they first receive their braces, and many notice a metallic taste in their mouth. The metal brackets and wires can irritate the cheeks and lips until patients become used to them.
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Can you use breath mints with braces?

Although you should avoid gum and sticky sweets while you have braces, you can still enjoy breath mints as your mouth adjusts to your new oral hygiene habits.
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Why does my breath smell like metal with braces?

In essence, inflammation means that your body is fighting against the bacteria on your gums. If prolonged, the inflammation could eventually reach the tooth root, forming dental pockets. In case you have inflamed gums or dental plaque, it might be causing your breath to smell metallic.
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Orthodontic Home Care Instructions | Braces | Brushing



How can I remove my mouth smell?

To reduce or prevent bad breath:
  1. Brush your teeth after you eat. Keep a toothbrush at work to use after eating. ...
  2. Floss at least once a day. ...
  3. Brush your tongue. ...
  4. Clean dentures or dental appliances. ...
  5. Avoid dry mouth. ...
  6. Adjust your diet. ...
  7. Regularly get a new toothbrush. ...
  8. Schedule regular dental checkups.
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Which mouthwash is best for braces?

Here are three of the best mouthwashes you can use to care for your braces.
  • Colgate Phos-Flur. ...
  • Act Anticavity Fluoride Rinse. ...
  • Listerine Total Care Anticavity Mouthwash. ...
  • Meet your O'Fallon and Florissant, MO Orthodontist.
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What is the average length of time to wear braces?

On average, it takes about 24 months to complete an orthodontic treatment. Some patients require less than 12 months, but there are also patients requiring up to 3 years of treatment before their teeth reach the desired position. Orthodontics is not a one-size-fits-all solution and each patient's mouth is unique.
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What toothpaste is best for braces?

Toothpaste Recommendations for Braces
  • Sensodyne Pronamel Daily Protection Enamel Toothpaste.
  • Crest Toothpaste Gum Detoxify Deep Clean.
  • Colgate Total Toothpaste.
  • Colgate Cavity Protection Toothpaste with Fluoride.
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What colors can you not have with braces?

You may want to avoid these colors: Black (can look like your teeth are rotting or can look as though you have food stuck in your teeth). White (can make your teeth appear more yellow and white elastics tend to stain more easily). Yellow (tends to intensify the appearance of yellow-toned teeth).
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What foods should I not eat with braces?

Foods to avoid with your braces are:
  • Nuts.
  • Potato chips.
  • Popcorn.
  • Crunchy veggies.
  • Hard candies (such as jolly ranchers or lollipops)
  • Gum (Sugar-free gum is okay)
  • Sticky candies (like laffy-taffy or gummy bears)
  • Corn on the cob.
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Do braces make your lips bigger?

Do Braces Change Your Lips and Make Them Look Bigger? Yes, braces can change the position of your lips, but only as much as the teeth immediately behind them change. It has nothing to do with braces changing your lips as far as fullness or shape.
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Do braces make your teeth yellow?

Your teeth can turn yellow due to many reasons, especially when you are wearing braces. One of the most common reasons is the adherence of plaque and tartar deposits on teeth, as it becomes difficult to clean them optimally around the braces.
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How do you clean your teeth with braces?

Six Tips for Cleaning Your Teeth With Braces
  1. Use a soft toothbrush. Cleaning the top part of your teeth between your brackets and gums is essential. ...
  2. Brush after every meal. ...
  3. Do not use too much toothpaste. ...
  4. Brush your teeth for two minutes. ...
  5. Use a floss threader or waterpik. ...
  6. Clean with mouthwash at night.
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Are Tic Tacs OK for braces?

DON'T: Hard candies.

They can break your braces, too. Watch out for jolly ranchers, butterscotch candies (which will also be sticky), Lifesavers, Nerds and even Tic Tacs. These candies all have a reputation for popping off brackets, bending wires and even chipping teeth. Just say no!
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Can I have Altoids with braces?

BREATH MINTS or SOUR CANDIES – Any breath mints with sugar, especially Altoids, Peppermints, THESE ALSO STAIN TEETH. If you need something for your breath, use Listerine Pocket Paks. SOFT DRINKS – Sugar free only; AVOID: apple, cranberry, grape juices, lemonade, Powerade, and Gatorade.
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Why did my teeth turn yellow after braces?

Plaque buildup is common behind the braces' wire and around the brackets, which adhere to the teeth. Eventually, this plaque may turn into thickened calculus, or tartar, which can have a brownish or yellowed color. Often, teeth affected by tartar or calculus can cause demineralization.
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Is it OK to whiten teeth with braces?

You can still whiten your teeth while wearing braces! There are several kinds of over-the-counter teeth-whitening products that are compatible with braces treatment. Products like Crest White Strips can be used with braces and are effective in teeth whitening.
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How often brush teeth with braces?

Why it's important to brush your teeth with braces. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day (but we recommend five) is already important as it helps avoid oral problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth decalcification.
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What is the shortest time period for braces?

Metal and Clear Braces

The minimum time to wear braces can be as little as several months to fix a basic crooked tooth or spacing issue through to 36 months for both metal braces and ceramic braces.
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What type of braces work the fastest?

Currently, clear aligners offer the fastest correction speed. For reference, Invisalign treatments can be finished in several months, whereas metal braces can take several years. It's not just clear aligners that offer speed. Another form of fast-correcting braces is self-ligating braces.
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What are the side effects of braces?

Common Side Effects of Braces
  • Mild Discomfort. Some discomfort with braces is totally normal and should be expected. ...
  • Irritation. ...
  • Jaw Pain. ...
  • Difficulty Eating. ...
  • Tooth Decay. ...
  • Decalcification. ...
  • Allergic Reactions. ...
  • Root Resorption.
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How many times a day should I use mouthwash with braces?

Use mouthwash once a day before bed. Mouthwash has to be alcohol free and contain Fluoride. (Alcohol can weaken the rubber components used on your brace). Use disclosing tablets 2-3 times a week, only when you notice improvement you can slowly cut it down to once a week throughout the whole of your treatment.
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Should you brush your teeth before or after breakfast with braces?

If you brush before eating breakfast, rinse your mouth with water after your meal, floss if needed, and you are good to go. But if you decide that doughnut simply can't wait, you should ideally postpone brushing for 20-30 minutes after your meal.
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Is it OK to use mouthwash every day?

Most nonprescription mouthwashes advise you to use the product twice per day, along with brushing and flossing. Some people like to use mouthwash more than that, using it to freshen breath or get that “clean mouth” feeling in between meals.
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