Getting my braces removed was a long-awaited milestone in my dental journey. After years of appointments, adjustments, and dealing with the restrictions braces impose, I was thrilled to finally switch to retainers. But in my excitement, I let my oral hygiene routine slip, thinking that without the brackets and wires, things would be easier to manage. Little did I know, this change in my routine would come back to haunt me. Within months, I noticed troubling signs: bleeding gums, plaque buildup, and, perhaps most embarrassing, bad breath that wouldn’t go away.
Bad breath after braces isn’t uncommon, especially when oral hygiene isn’t maintained rigorously. With retainers, it’s easy to assume that the routine can be a bit more relaxed compared to when braces were on. However, retainers can trap food particles and bacteria just as easily, leading to plaque buildup, which is often the main culprit behind bad breath and gum issues. My gums started bleeding, a sign of inflammation, and I realized that neglecting even a small part of my oral care routine was affecting my overall mouth health.
Fortunately, I decided to visit Oral Wellness Dental Clinic, where I was under the care of Dr. Danielle Ericka Anne L. Rodriguez and Dr. Paul Micheal D. Chua. They quickly pinpointed the issues and educated me on the importance of maintaining a thorough oral hygiene routine, even post-braces. Their guidance helped me understand the changes I needed to make, such as cleaning my retainers daily, brushing and flossing more carefully, and even using mouthwash to target hard-to-reach areas. It was a wake-up call, reminding me that a beautiful smile requires ongoing maintenance.
Through my journey back to oral health, I learned several valuable lessons that I’m eager to share. For anyone transitioning from braces to retainers, don’t fall into the same trap I did by relaxing your routine. Continue to brush and floss regularly, make sure to clean your retainers, and consider visiting your dentist for regular check-ups to catch any issues early. Bleeding gums and bad breath can be avoided by simply keeping up with good dental habits, even when you think the “hard part” is over.
đŸŽĽ WATCH THE VLOG:Today, my oral health is back on track, thanks to the incredible support from my dental team at Oral Wellness Dental Clinic. My gums have healed, the bad breath is gone, and I’m back to feeling confident about my smile. If you're going through something similar or have recently transitioned from braces to retainers, I hope my story encourages you to prioritize your oral care. Taking care of your mouth is an investment that keeps your smile healthy and fresh, long after the braces come off!
