How to Prevent Bad Breath with Aligners?

July 17, 2025

How to Prevent Bad Breath with Aligners?

Keep Your Smile Fresh — Even with Trays On

Let’s be honest — no one talks about it, but bad breath with aligners is real. When you wear clear aligners for 22 hours a day, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria to hang around, and with that comes... not-so-fresh breath. But here’s the good news: aligner odor is 100% preventable with the right habits. You don’t need fancy tools or extra effort — just a smart, simple routine. Let’s break down 4 easy pillars to keep your breath fresh and your aligners odor-free.

🧼 Clean Your Aligners Daily — and Properly

If you're popping your aligners in and out without cleaning them, bacteria and saliva are building up fast — and that’s the main cause of odor.

Here’s what to do:

Clean your aligners twice a day (morning and night) with a soft-bristle toothbrush and mild, clear soap
Rinse them every time you remove them, especially before putting them back in
Avoid toothpaste — it’s too abrasive and can scratch the plastic, making aligners cloudy and smelly

🧴 Pro tip: Use a separate brush just for your trays to avoid cross-contamination.

🦷 Maintain Strong Oral Hygiene

Even if your aligners are spotless, bad breath can still come from your mouth. Food particles, plaque, and dry mouth are the biggest culprits.

For best results:

Brush after every meal before putting your aligners back in
Floss once daily — trapped food between teeth leads to odor
Use an alcohol-free mouthwash to freshen breath without drying out your mouth

✨ Think of your aligners as a mirror — if your mouth isn’t clean, your trays won’t stay clean either.

🧃 Watch What You Eat and Drink

Certain foods and beverages can leave lasting smells — and those smells get sealed in when you pop your aligners back in.

To reduce aligner odor:

Avoid garlic, onions, strong spices, and coffee before wearing trays
Stick to water while wearing aligners
Always rinse your mouth (or brush, ideally) before reinserting your trays

💡 Carry a small water bottle and your aligner case — hydration and hygiene go hand in hand.

🧰 Keep a Travel Hygiene Kit

Fresh breath is easier when you're prepared. Having your oral hygiene essentials on the go makes it simpler to stay consistent.

What to pack:

Travel toothbrush + toothpaste
Aligner case
Compact mouthwash or floss picks
Breath spray or sugar-free mints (only when aligners are out)

🌿 At NewSmile®, we always recommend keeping a “smile-on-the-go” pouch so you’re never caught unprepared — whether it’s for lunch, a meeting, or a date night.

NewSmile® Insight

We know the goal is more than just straight teeth — it’s a confident, healthy smile. At NewSmile, our aligners are designed for comfort, clarity, and easy cleaning. Paired with the right oral care routine, you’ll never have to worry about bad breath during treatment.