How to Prevent Bad Breath While Wearing Invisalign?

Invisalign provides a painless and subtle means of straightening teeth. However, wearing the aligners for an extended period of time might lead to bad breath. As the trays are tightly fit over your teeth, they can potentially trap bacteria, food particles, and plaque, resulting in bad odor.  

However, you can ensure this does not happen to you by following some simple steps. Read the blog to learn more about how to prevent bad breath while wearing invisalign. 

Tips to Prevent Bad Breath While Wearing Invisalign

Maintain A Proper Oral Care Routine

Remember, fresh breath always starts with a clean mouth, particularly if you are wearing Invisalign. Poor oral hygiene may cause plaque formation, which traps bacteria and creates foul odors. 

To achieve best oral hygiene:

• Brush after every meal – Aligners retain food particles, so brushing is necessary before placing them back on.
• Floss once a day – Flossing eliminates food particles between teeth, preventing bacteria buildup.
• Use tongue scrapers – Bacteria on the tongue cause bad breath, so it is good to clean it on a regular basis.
• Choose alcohol-free mouthwash – A gentle antibacterial rinse can eliminate germs without causing dry mouth.

Clean Your Invisalign Aligners Regularly

Your Invisalign aligners require as much care as your teeth to prevent odor buildup. Bacteria may build up on the trays, causing bad breath even if your mouth is fresh. 

How to clean Invisalign properly?

• Rinse aligners every time you take them out – Never put them back in your mouth without a quick rinse.
• Soak in a cleaning solution daily – Invisalign cleaning crystals or denture tablets can help remove bacteria.
• Use mild soap and a soft toothbrush – Gently scrub to remove buildup without scratching the aligners.
• Don’t use toothpaste on aligners – Abrasive toothpaste can leave small scratches where bacteria love to live.

Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day

Dry mouth causes bad breath by lowering saliva production and rinsing away bacteria. Keeping your mouth moist is important when wearing Invisalign.

• Drink water frequently – This will wash away food and bacteria.
• Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol – These have drying effects that will make bad breath worse.
• Chew sugar-free gum or suck on mints – When the aligners are out of your mouth, this will stimulate saliva flow.

Be Mindful of Your Diet

Some foods cause bad breath, and their impact is felt longer while wearing aligners. Be extra careful when you consume something. 

• Cut down on garlic, onions, and strong spices – These leave long-lasting odors that cling to your aligners.
• Reduce sugary and processed foods – Bacteria are fueled by sugar, resulting in plaque and bad breath.
• Munch on fiber-rich fruits and vegetables – Apples, carrots, and celery naturally clean teeth and keep the breath fresh.
• Drink green tea – It has polyphenols that neutralize sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.

Follow Aligner Replacement Schedules

Wearing the aligners beyond their intended period may lead to odor due to bacterial buildup. Keep them fresh by:

• Switching to new aligners as directed – Wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day. Replace them as per your schedule. Overused trays can develop a permanent smell.
• Replacing lost or damaged aligners promptly – Cracked or damaged trays can collect bacteria.
• Consult your dentist if aligners constantly smell bad – Persistent odor may indicate an underlying issue.

Avoiding bad breath during Invisalign is easy. Follow these simple tips to get the best possible outcome for your aligners without any additional issues. With fresh breath, you will feel more confident about your aligners. 

However, if you are still facing issues with your Invisalign aligners, consult a dental professional.