If you're brushing and flossing correctly and still find that sour or stale breath, there may be something else wrong. Does your family have a history of gum disease? Are your gums swollen or red? Do your gums usually bleed when you floss? If you answered yes to any of these questions, there may be something more than just "brace breath" to deal with.

Certain foods, such as onions and garlic, can give you bad breath (also called halitosis). When food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, and then it's expelled. Brushing, flossing, and mouthwash will only temporarily take away the bad breath. That odor will continue until your body has completely gotten rid of that particular food.

I hate to say it, but if you don't brush your teeth after eating, especially foods that can stick in between your teeth, that food will start to, yes, rot. You see, as soon as food hits your mouth, bacteria begins to collect. That's what can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums starts to decay and can leave a very unpleasant odor. Also, if your teeth need fillings, it makes it that much worse, because the food can get stuck there even easier!

Other causes of bad breath include the use of some medications (causing a dry mouth), use of tobacco products, sinus or respiratory infections and some other medical conditions (diabetes, bronchitis, and liver or kidney problems, to name a few). If your mouth is healthy, your dentist or orthodontist may refer you to a family doctor or specialist to determine the cause of your bad breath.

So how do you keep the "bad breath blues" away? So long as you don't have a medical condition like some we've mentioned above, the best way to keep your breath fresh is by regular dental maintenance. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your tongue as far back as you can. Floss every day. Make regular appointments with your dentist and keep them. There's no substitute for a professional cleaning and checkup. (By the way, mouthwashes are fine, but they don't really have a long-lasting effect on bad breath.)

Whatever the cause of bad breath, it's best to find out why as soon as you can. If it's something medical, you'll want to see a family doctor. If it's just the onions, well, don't eat onions!

Disclaimer:

The information in this newsletter is only for the purpose of providing you with information regarding your orthodontic care and treatment. It is not intended to offer any medical or dental advice. Please contact your own dentist or orthodontist for treatment, appliances, or instructions that are right for you.