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Tips for Keeping Your Breath Fresh While You’re in Braces

Home » Tips for Keeping Your Breath Fresh While You’re in Braces

You’ve got a lot going on in your busy life, and whether it’s school, practice, or simply socializing, you want to put a confident face forward. And part of that confidence comes from knowing your breath is its freshest!

Too often, though, this time of your life makes that goal seem difficult. Let’s look at ways to keep you smiling your brightest and feeling your freshest in any social setting.

  • Watch Your Diet

Sure, garlic, onions, and other pungent food choices are obvious culprits when it comes to bad breath, but did you know that sugars and simple carbs are the food of choice for the bacteria that cause decay, gingivitis, and bad breath? Eating a nutritious, braces-friendly diet will help keep your mouth, your braces, and your breath healthy.

And it’s not just what you eat. Dehydration also causes bad breath. But those caffeinated drinks and sodas that keep you going through the day are the source of acids and sugars that contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, and less-than-fresh breath. Water, milk, and healthy smoothies are a great way to stay hydrated, add vitamins and minerals to your diet, and go easy on your braces.          

  • Keep Up with Oral Hygiene

It’s hard to keep your teeth and gums their cleanest when it seems like you’re always on the go, but good oral habits are just as important now as they were when you were younger.

Brushing after every meal and snack and flossing daily will help get rid of the bacteria and plaque, which lead to cavities. Our tongues also harbor the bacteria that cause bad breath, so finish off your routine with a gentle brush of the tongue, or try a tongue scraper.

Flossing helps keep gums healthy, which, in turns, keeps your breath healthy as well. Dentists generally suggest flossing once a day, but wearing braces could require flossing more often to make sure you’re getting rid of all those food particles that can become trapped in brackets and wires. Studies have suggested that hormonal changes in teenagers can mean your gums are more at risk for periodontal problems, which can also lead to bad breath, so don’t neglect your gum health!

And be sure to make room in your schedule for regular checkups and cleanings. Your dentist and hygienist will let you know if you’re on track for healthy teeth and gums and fresh breath.

  • Wearing Braces?

Part of careful brushing and flossing means getting to all those places in your braces which trap food particles. Besides being a source of unpleasant odors, food particles lead to plaque buildup and tooth decay, another cause of bad breath.

Drs. Cassinelli and Shanker can suggest the best methods for keeping your braces their cleanest—even in hard to reach spots—with suggestions for brushing and flossing techniques. We can also suggest the best and easiest-to-use products for your particular braces, and recommend or prescribe antibacterial mouthwashes.

  • Wearing Aligners?

Aligners are removed before you eat, so it’s easy to forget that they also need attention. Follow instructions given at our West Chester or Cincinnati, OH office for daily cleaning to prevent saliva and plaque from sticking to your aligners and causing odors. And always remember to brush before you replace aligners after eating a meal or even snacking—otherwise, you’re just trapping the food particles that cause cavities or odors next to your teeth.

You’ve got a lot going on in your busy life, and the last thing you need to worry about is fresh breath. Keep up with your solid dental routines, make sure your braces or aligners are clean and plaque-free, and show the world your healthiest, freshest, most confident smile.

Patient testimonials

Watch the Success Stories

We’re not just putting on braces or clear aligners. We’re adding value to people’s lives. Check out some of these life-changing stories below.

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Our 5-Star Patient Experience

We recognize that all our patients are unique and deserve to receive orthodontic care that reflects their individual needs. We are committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding orthodontic experience every time you visit.

Shanti H.
Just started the orthodontic procedure. The experience is excellent and the cost is reasonable
Response from the owner:Thank you. We are happy to be able to help you get the smile you want 😀
Sarah H.
This orthodontic team has been absolutely wonderful! Highly recommend for your orthodontic needs!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Sarah! We're thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful experience with our team. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
Triplets2010
All 3 of my children have gone here for a couple of years and they are amazing! Great customer service, top notch orthodontic care!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the 5-star review! We are so happy to hear you had a great experience with our staff and doctors. We love creating beautiful smiles!
Ashley P.
Very clean office. The staff was prepared for our visit, like having a new patient name board and plenty to do in the waiting room for littles. Staff was friendly and facility was very neat. We enjoyed our visit and didn't feel pressured to buy any treatment options.
Response from the owner:So glad you enjoyed your visit, and thank you for the wonderful review.
Jamie I.
Our daughter and son were patients several years ago. And now another daughter is a new patient with the office. We have had a great experience. Friendly and professional staff. Great communicators. Reasonably priced! Clean and warm environment. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review. It is our pleasure to provide excellent care for your family. We are so glad you chose our office again.
Valerie A.
My experience for my consultation was an experience that I’ve never had before. From the moment I arrived for my visit, until I was done, the staff was great and made me feel very comfortable. Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience!
Response from the owner:So happy to hear this. Thanks for the great review.
David B.
Friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. Office was immaculate. Great experience!
Response from the owner:Thanks. Appreciate the compliments!
Tasha F.
I wish I could give more than five stars! I truly enjoyed being a patient at Cassinelli, Shanker & Associates. Being able to go through this process with both of my sons made it even more special. The staff knew us by name and made us feel welcome at every appointment. I couldn’t recommend a better place to get braces 😁
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the great review! It has been our pleasure treating your family. We have the best doctors and staff and love what we do!
Slice S.
Adult Invisalign, a 16 month process, I’m so glad I did it! Organized, we’ll communicated process and my providers were all amazing!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the 5-star review! We love what we do. It has been our pleasure having you as our patient!
Christin M.
They are such a phenomenal practice with caring and attentive staff! The orthodontists are knowledgeable and kind! We have had such a positive experience working with them!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the 5-star review! We have 4 of the best orthodontists and an amazing team. We are so happy to hear you agree!
Elisa C.
My experience I had with this office was excellent. They went over and beyond to make sure my child was comfortable was OK nothing was hurting her. I will always recommend you take your child to this dentist office for any dental work done on your children.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and 5-star review! We pride ourselves in offering the highest quality in patient care and customer satisfaction. It has been our please treating your daughter.
melissa D.
Super nice staff! I was in and out of there with all my questions answered. I get my Invisalign put in in two weeks and I am very excited.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much! We are so happy to join you on your journey to a new beautiful smile!
Crystal D.
We have been extremely happy with the level of care our daughter has received. Everyone in the office is friendly and knowledgeable. Our time in the office was quick and efficient. They estimated the length of her treatment plan to be 18 months and she finished a full six months early. We highly recommend Cassinelli and Shanker to anyone entering the orthodontics phase.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your feedback and excellent review! We love hearing you had a great experience. Your daughter was a star patient and it has been our pleasure treating her.
Kiersten G.
Friendly staff, easy experience. Went in for my 8 year old who is not losing baby teeth and has no room for any that can come in. Dr. set out a clear plan for the near future and things that may be farther out.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your 5-star review! We value patient relationships and are confident we have the best orthodontists in the city!
Mary M.
Great orthodontists and wonderful staff. They don’t rush treatment to get a great smile. They create great smiles and healthy bites that last.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your 5-star review! We have a great team and we strive for 100% satisfaction.
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