Is Alcohol-free, Sugar-free Breath Spray Okay to Use with Invisalign?
Many people run into a common problem when using Invisalign: bad breath. Despite the repeated brushings and good dental care, bad breath persists. Even so, they don’t want to brush – taking out their aligners each and every time is a bit of a hassle, and understandably so. However, when using Invisalign, some traditional methods of freshening breath won’t work, so it’s important to use the proper approach to fighting halitosis.
Why sugar free?
Sugar is one of the main causes of cavities in children. While parents make them brush their teeth, Invisalign retainers can trap sugar underneath them. Normally, saliva would take care of it, breaking down the sugar and aiding in digestion; when the sugar is trapped in a place saliva can’t reach, it has time to work towards breaking down the teeth instead.
Sugar free breath sprays stop this from being a problem as they don’t introduce sugar into the mouth to begin with. A large number of breath sprays on the market do contain sugar to help with the flavor, so spend some time searching for one that doesn’t, or ask your dentist for recommendations.
Why alcohol free?
Alcohol, while not directly harmful to teeth, does work as a drying agent. It reduces saliva production, leading to a dryer mouth environment. When your mouth is dry, bacteria begin to thrive and reproduce very quickly. This is the cause of bad breath following a morning of heavy drinking. Much like the sugar problem above, saliva would break down bacteria and help to maintain a healthy oral environment. However, if alcohol is trapped under the aligner, the bacteria it aids can thrive untouched until it is removed. Make sure to use breath sprays that don’t contain alcohol; aside from being better for the mouth, your children will thank you. Alcohol is the cause of the burning sensation most mouthwashes cause.
Treating Bad Breath
Invisalign and breath spray is one way to approach the problem, but there are others. Drinking a lot more water can help to keep bad breath at bay, as can sugar free mints. However, if the problem persists, speak with your dentist about the problem. There might be an underlying cause contributing to the breath problem. Many people suffer from tonsil stones, bits of food that have become lodged in the back of the mouth. As this food breaks down, it causes severe halitosis.
Other causes might be bacteria growing in the back of the mouth near the rear of the tongue, an area that isn’t often treated. Another reason might be the aligner themselves – sometimes they aren’t cleaned thoroughly and can cause issues. Make sure to clean them properly each day.
If your child needs dental care, contact a Belle Meade orthodontist today.
Contact Gluck Orthodontics to help you with any dental alignment issues you may have, as well as other problems like bad breath, overbites, TMJ, and more. Taking proper care of the mouth is important at an early age, and a great smile can do wonders for self-esteem.
