I’ve just started my aligner treatment, and one thing I didn’t expect is this weird issue with bad breath. I’m super paranoid about it now, especially when I’m talking to people up close. Is this a common problem with aligners, or am I doing something wrong with my routine? I brush and clean my trays, but it doesn’t seem to be enough.
Oh, I’m so glad you brought this up because I had the exact same problem when I started! I was so freaked out about my breath that I started brushing my teeth like five times a day. My orthodontist told me that it’s pretty normal and mostly has to do with saliva getting trapped under the trays, which creates the perfect environment for bacteria. I found that using mouthwash in addition to brushing really helps, and I also rinse my aligners themselves to keep them fresh.
I totally went through this phase when I got my aligners. I think a lot of people don’t realize how important it is to keep the trays clean, not just your teeth. I started using a retainer cleaning solution once a day, and it made a world of difference for my breath. Also, I make sure to brush my tongue every time I brush my teeth because that’s where a lot of bad breath bacteria live. It’s not just the aligners’ fault, but they definitely make the situation worse if you’re not super careful.
I’ve had aligners for almost a year now, and bad breath was one of the most annoying things at first. I tried everything—brushing, flossing, mouthwash, you name it. What finally worked for me was adding a portable water flosser to my routine. I take it with me to work and use it after lunch. It’s a bit of a hassle, but it’s worth it to avoid that gross taste in your mouth halfway through the day. And yeah, rinsing the aligners themselves throughout the day helps too.
I was in the same boat when I first started, and I didn’t know how to fix it. My dentist suggested drinking more water during the day, and that really helped. I guess the water flushes out some of the bacteria that get trapped under the aligners. I also stopped drinking coffee with the aligners in, which was a bummer, but it made a huge difference in keeping my breath fresh. Plus, coffee breath and aligners are a terrible combo.
Bad breath with aligners is definitely a thing, especially if you don’t clean them often enough. I used to just brush my teeth twice a day, but I quickly learned that with aligners, you need to up your game. Now I brush after every meal, even if it’s just a quick snack. I also found that using an antibacterial mouthwash was a game-changer. It kills the germs that cause bad breath, and my aligners seem to stay cleaner for longer.
I’ve been wearing aligners for a while, and I noticed that when I was lazy with my cleaning routine, the bad breath got way worse. It’s not just about brushing your teeth but also making sure the aligners themselves are spotless. I started soaking them in a denture cleaner a few times a week, and it’s been a night-and-day difference. Also, avoid sugary foods because they can really make the problem worse. The sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth, which leads to even worse breath.
My orthodontist warned me about the potential for bad breath before I even started aligners, so I was prepared. He recommended getting an aligner cleaning spray that you can use throughout the day to keep them fresh. I was skeptical at first, but it really works! I keep a little spray bottle in my bag and use it whenever I feel like my mouth is getting dry or stale. I also chew sugar-free gum to help with saliva production, but I make sure to take the aligners out before chewing.
I thought I was the only one dealing with this! The worst part is that I’m in meetings all day, and I’m always paranoid that my breath smells because of the aligners. I started carrying a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste with me everywhere. Brushing after meals has definitely helped, but it’s a bit embarrassing to have to sneak off to the bathroom at work just to brush. It’s worth it, though, because my breath is so much fresher now.
When I first started using aligners, I noticed that my mouth felt dry a lot more often, which didn’t help the bad breath situation. My dentist told me that keeping hydrated is key because a dry mouth means less saliva to wash away bacteria. So now, I’m constantly sipping water throughout the day. I’ve also started using a tongue scraper, and I didn’t realize how much of a difference that would make in keeping my breath fresh. Highly recommend giving that a try if you’re struggling with the same issue.
it can cause bad breathe if you are lazy in cleaning your aligners
proper hygiene and cleaning will reduce the possibility of bad breath
I definitely dealt with this when I first got my aligners, and it was so frustrating! I tried all kinds of cleaning techniques, but what really worked for me was switching to an alcohol-free mouthwash. It’s less harsh on my mouth, and it seems to keep my breath fresh for longer. Also, cleaning the aligners in warm (not hot!) water with a mild soap once a day has helped a lot. It’s all about finding that routine that works for you.