What Causes Bad Breath In A Patient Using Braces?

Posted on Thu, 4 Aug 2016

Question: I am 35 years of age, male.

I have realized a problem of bad smell from the mouth.

Is it possible because i am currently undergoing treatment with Braces. (Invisible braces) I try to keep them clean everytime i remove them which is atleast 2/3 times each day. I dont believe it would cause the smell.

I also use the mouthwash once in a while (Listerine). But that does not seem to give a permanent solution.

What else should i try or check to find the cause of the smell and correct it?

Regards,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Bad smell can be due to multiple causes..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns..

As per your complain bad smell in mouth that temporarily masks with using mouthwash and keeping oral hygiene up to the mark can be due to a number of other causes like teeth and gum infection, tonsil stones, sinus infections etc..

Please answer the following questions so that I can guide you better:
1. Do you have any decayed tooth or infection in gums like bleeding or pus discharge from gums?
2. Do you have symptoms like nasal congestion, pain around the nose, headache etc?
3.Do you have a dry mouth or any white coating on tongue?
4.Do you experience acid reflux symptoms like heartburn, sour liquid coming in throat or mouth?
5.Do you have any other medical problems or are you on any medication?

Please revert back with answers..

Thanks and regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Priyanka G Raj

Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (21 minutes later)

Dear Dr XXXXXXX

Here are the answers to your questions:

1. Do you have any decayed tooth or infection in gums like bleeding or pus discharge from gums?
No such problems. I did have a minor decay in one tooth some 2 years back but it was operated with one day root canal and has been filled up.

2. Do you have symptoms like nasal congestion, pain around the nose, headache etc?
No.

3.Do you have a dry mouth or any white coating on tongue?
No dry mouth. But yes there is a slight coating on tongue but does not look significant.

4.Do you experience acid reflux symptoms like heartburn, sour liquid coming in throat or mouth?
No. I do have excessive gas problem once in a while.

5.Do you have any other medical problems or are you on any medication?
No i am not. I have been taking vitamin supplements.

Regards,

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Does not seems anything specific..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Welcome back..

As per the answers there does not seems any specific cause for the bad smell..

However you might need a detailed clinical examination and investigations by an oral physician as excessive gas formation and burping and digestive problems can be a cause of bad breath..

As of now I would suggest you to start gargling with a flavoured mouthwash twice a day..
You should chew flavoured sugar-free chewing gum as it will also improve your saliva flow and also mask bad smell..
Use a tongue cleaner/scraper regularly to clean your tongue..
Do warm saline gargles twice a day..
Limit the intake of high aroma foods like onion and garlic..
Drink plenty of water and maintain a good oral hygiene..
Incorporate a habit of doing moderate workout daily..
Eat more of raw fruits and vegetables and more of green leafy vegetables..

Any further queries are welcome.

Regards.

Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar