Bad smell when changing wires

[Catpotat]

Can anyone else smell a really bad odor each time they get their wire taken out and replaced?
I'm worried that that is what my breath smells like and now I am self conscious to talk to anyone :<

Any extra tips on cleaning or bad breath remedies (other than the standard brushing and flossing) would be helpful.
I have self ligating clear braces and I suspect the cause is being unable to clean under the gates.

[jaime]

You can't go wrong with a Waterpik. You'd be amazed how much stuff it will dislodge even after brushing for 2 minutes. Mouth wash would probably be helpful, too.

[whitney555]

I'm in the same boat, and I also suspect it's bacteria getting built up around the gates (I have damons also). I try to take advantage when they let me brush with the wires out at my appointments, but that only does so much when the appointments are 6-10 weeks apart. I use listerine most of the time, but I'm not sure how much it helps. I've been told by both ortho and dentist that I've been keeping the braces really clean, so I don't know how much more I can do about it. I guess I don't really have any advice for you - I'm just here to commiserate. I've kind of just resigned myself to it.

[Snowglobe32]

I agree on the Waterpik tip. I still use mine, 3 years after having my braces removed.
They can be pricy...$50 to $75 but it is a great investment and I recommend it for anyone with braces. They go on sale often...check Target, Walmart, Walgreens and even online.

[msw]

YES on the Waterpik! Try blasting your tonsils to knock off any tonsil stones that may have developed. You can use a flashlight to examine back there. For mouthwashes, I recommend either Closys or TheraBreath, but getting rid of tonsil stones will make a HUGE difference!

[mrscetrone]

I only had that happen one time with wire ties. I think it's bacteria build up from where it's impossible to reach with a brush sometimes.

[Tiff2185]

I noticed mine had a strange odor as well! I assumed bacteria stuck to the metal. Glad I'm not alone

[Catpotat]

I know this is not recommended but I took matters into my own hands and removed my wire for cleaning. This was pretty easy with self ligating braces.
The debris stuck under the gates was the definite cause! Gross. My ortho doesn't let me brush during wire changes

[JCloNY]

Try the WaterPik. I was amazed at how much stuff its lodged in braces. #gross