If you have just started treatment and your breath doesn't feel as fresh as it used to, you are not imagining it and you are not alone. Bad breath with braces is common, almost always caused by food and plaque trapped around the brackets and wires, and usually fixable with a better cleaning routine. This guide explains why braces cause bad breath, what the NHS and UK dental bodies recommend, how to clean around fixed braces and clear aligners, and the signs that mean you should see your dentist or orthodontist rather than just buy another mouthwash. Key takeaway The NHS says bad breath (halitosis) is most often caused by poor oral hygiene, gum disease or food trapped in the mouth. Braces add lots of small places for food and plaque to collect, so cleaning has to be more thorough, not just more frequent. If breath does not improve after a few weeks of careful cleaning, tell your dental team, because gum disease or decay needs treating rather than masking. Fixed braces create ledges, gaps and wires where food and plaque collect, and the bacteria in that plaque release smelly sulphur compounds. Plaque is the sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth constantly. If it isn't removed, it irritates the gums and produces the odour many people notice as bad breath. With braces, three things tend to make this worse: The same logic applies to other appliances. Removable aligners and retainers can also trap bacteria if they are not cleaned, and wearing aligners after eating without brushing holds food against the teeth. 2 times a day Brushing with fluoride toothpaste, recommended by the NHS for everyone including people with braces Every day Cleaning between the teeth, which the NHS recommends alongside brushing 12-24 months How long fixed brace treatment typically lasts, so a good routine has to be sustainable The most effective fix is removing plaque thoroughly every day, particularly around the brackets and along the gum line. Mouthwash and mints can freshen breath briefly but do not remove the plaque causing the problem. Brush for about two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, angling the brush to clean above the brackets, below them and on the gum line, then clean the chewing surfaces and the backs of the teeth. Your orthodontist may recommend an orthodontic or electric toothbrush. Many people find it helpful to brush after meals and snacks during the day when they can, or at least rinse with water. Brackets and wires make normal floss awkward. Ask your orthodontic team to show you one or more of the following: Use whichever you will actually do every day. A method you keep up beats a perfect method you abandon. The NHS recommends cleaning your tongue as well as your teeth, because bacteria collect on its surface. Use a tongue scraper or gently brush your tongue after cleaning your teeth. Sipping water through the day helps keep your mouth moist and rinses away loose food. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, which feed plaque. Our guide to eating and drinking during orthodontic treatment explains what is best to choose. A fluoride mouthwash used at a different time from brushing can help protect teeth, and your dentist may suggest an antibacterial rinse for a short period if your gums are inflamed. Alcohol-based rinses can dry the mouth in some people. Ask your dental team which suits you rather than trying several. See our guide to fluoride during orthodontic treatment. Starting braces and want to know what to expect? A clear assessment helps you understand your options, the likely treatment length and what the care routine involves, before you commit. Get your assessment → Clear aligners are removable, which makes cleaning teeth easier, but they can also trap bacteria against the teeth and develop an odour if not cleaned. Aligners are worn for most of the day, so any food left on your teeth when you put them back in is held against the enamel. Good habits with aligners Habits to avoid Our guide to clear aligner cleaning and hygiene goes through a daily routine step by step. See your dentist or orthodontist if bad breath continues after a few weeks of thorough cleaning, or if you have bleeding gums, swollen gums, a bad taste, or tooth pain. Persistent bad breath can be a sign of gum disease, decay, or an infection, and these need professional treatment. Important White chalky marks, swollen or bleeding gums, or a sore tooth during treatment should not be ignored. Contact your orthodontic team promptly. Brackets and wires make decay and gum problems easier to develop, and the earlier they are found, the easier they are to manage. Never remove braces yourself. Other causes of bad breath that are unrelated to braces include smoking, some medicines, tonsil stones, reflux and sinus problems. If your orthodontic team and dentist are satisfied your teeth and gums are healthy, ask your GP whether another cause might be involved. Bad breath itself is a symptom, but the plaque behind it can cause lasting problems. Plaque left around brackets can leave permanent white marks on the enamel after the braces come off (see our guide to white spot lesions), and gum inflammation can slow treatment or lead to gum recession. Good habits protect both your breath and the final result, and they make the day your braces come off much more rewarding. If you are still deciding whether braces are right for you, our guides on cleaning your teeth with braces and good oral health before braces or aligners help you prepare. If you want to find a practice near you that provides treatment, start at our orthodontic treatment near me page. Ready to find out which treatment suits you? Get an online assessment from Virtual Consultant Online and see your options before you visit a practice.Why do braces cause bad breath?
How do you get rid of bad breath with braces?
Brush properly, twice a day
Clean between the teeth every day
Don't forget your tongue
Drink water and look at what you eat
Use mouthwash as a helper, not a cure
What about bad breath with clear aligners?
When is bad breath a sign of something else?
Can bad breath cause long-term damage during treatment?
A simple daily routine for fresh breath with braces
When What to do Morning Brush for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, clean your tongue, clean between your teeth During the day Sip water, rinse after meals, brush after lunch if you can, remove aligners to eat Evening Clean between the teeth, brush thoroughly around each bracket and the gum line, spit out toothpaste without rinsing Weekly Check your teeth in the mirror for white marks or swollen gums, and clean any removable appliance thoroughly Every few months Keep your dental check-ups, and attend orthodontic appointments so problems are found early
Bad Breath With Braces: Why It Happens and How to Fix It
Published · 7 min read · by Virtual Consultant Online
Trapped food: particles lodge between the bracket and the gum, under the wire and between teeth, and are hard to dislodge with a brush alone.
Plaque build-up: a standard brushing routine often misses the areas next to brackets, so plaque stays longer than it would without braces.
Gum irritation: plaque left near the gum line can inflame it. The NHS lists gum disease as a common cause of persistent bad breath, and inflamed gums can also bleed when you brush.
Dry mouth: mouth breathing, some medicines, and a few hours without drinking water reduce the saliva that helps wash bacteria away.
Food and drink choices: sugary snacks and drinks feed plaque bacteria, and strong-smelling foods such as garlic and onion have a short-term effect.
Interdental brushes sized to fit between the teeth and under the wire.
Floss threaders or orthodontic floss, which pass floss behind the archwire.
A water flosser, which uses a stream of water to flush out food and which many patients find easier than floss.
Brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in
Rinse or brush the aligners daily as your provider advises
Drink only plain water while wearing them
Carry a travel toothbrush for lunchtime
Snacking or sipping sugary drinks with aligners in
Rinsing aligners in hot water, which can warp them
Skipping cleaning because the aligners are clear
Using strongly scented products that mask but do not clean
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References
NHS guidance on the causes of bad breath, including poor oral hygiene, gum disease and trapped food, and advice on cleaning teeth and tongue.
NHS - Bad breath (halitosis)NHS information on orthodontic treatment, how long it takes, and how to look after your teeth and braces.
NHS - Braces and orthodonticsOral Health Foundation advice for people with braces, including cleaning methods and diet.
Oral Health Foundation - BracesNHS guidance on the causes of bad breath, including poor oral hygiene, gum disease and trapped food, and advice on cleaning teeth and tongue.
NHS - Bad breath (halitosis)NHS information on orthodontic treatment, how long it takes, and how to look after your teeth and braces.
NHS - Braces and orthodonticsOral Health Foundation advice for people with braces, including cleaning methods and diet.
Oral Health Foundation - Braces