Author: Dr. Kevin Horner

Correcting An Overbite. Don’t Wait!

Dr. Kevin Horner

Do you think your child has an overbite issue? Don’t wait until he or she is older to have it corrected!

When a child has an overbite, it is usually because the upper jaw is deficient. This causes the upper teeth to overlap the lower teeth, beyond the normal alignment between the upper and lower teeth.

The most common treatment method for an overbite is orthodontics. After examining the mouth and jaw positioning, an orthodontist can determine the course of treatment that will be most effective for your child’s misalignment.

It is important for interceptive orthodontic treatment to begin as early as possible, while the jaw bones are still “soft” and malleable. The jaw is easier to manipulate in a younger patient. Once the jaw bones are solid, the treatment becomes more extensive (and more expensive), and the process is longer, usually requiring the need to break and re-align the jaw bones.

Most children aren’t referred to an orthodontist until they are between the ages of ten and twelve years old, but if suspect your child has overbite issues, they will need to be seen by an orthodontist much sooner.

An early interceptive treatment plan is crucial! The time, cost, and effectiveness of the treatment all become factors when dealing with an overbite issue.

Malocclusions.
The term “occlusion” refers to the alignment of the teeth. A malocclusion is a deviation or misalignment from a normal occlusion. Overbites, crossbites, underbites and open bites are all types of malocclusions. An overbite is when the upper teeth stick out too far beyond the lower teeth.

Malocculsions fall into one of three categories. Class One is when a normal bite is accompanied by a slight overlap of the upper teeth. This is the most common malocclusion. Class Two is when the overbite is severe, often known as a retrognathic. Class Three is a severe underbite; when the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth. It’s referred to as prognathic.

Overbite causes:
Although some overbites are hereditary, others are caused by a malformed jaw. Jaws can actually grow unevenly under the pressure of certain habits when a child is young, resulting in an underdeveloped lower jaw or an overdeveloped upper jaw. Habits formed during early childhood such as thumb-sucking, prolonged bottle-feeding or tongue-thrusting, can cause this overbite. And habits developed later in life, such as improper chewing, eraser head-chewing or nail-biting, can form an overbite as well.

Problems a child with an overbite can face are:
• jaw pain
• excessive wear and tear on the teeth and the tooth enamel
• speech issues, which can then lead to self-esteem issues
• tooth decay
• gingivitis (gum disease)

How Do I Know If My Child Has an Overbite Issue?
Though most overbites are not considered serious, there are some that do need treatment. A severe overbite is noticeably visible and usually causes the problems listed above.

Here are some examples of malocclusions (bite problems):

Overbite

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t Wait! The Time to Act is Now.
If you think your child has or may develop an overbite issue, don’t wait until it’s too late (and much more expensive) to have it corrected! Call our Sioux Falls, SD office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kevin Horner or Dr. Keri Barrow as soon as possible for an orthodontic evaluation, and to discuss the possible treatment plan options.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every patient.

Tips To Avoid Bad Breath While Wearing Braces

Dr. Kevin Horner

A beautiful, healthy smile is often the end result of wearing braces. The time you spend in orthodontic treatment is an investment in the good health and appearance of your smile. In Sioux Falls, SD, Dr. Kevin Horner, Dr. Keri Barrow and the Horner Barrow Orthodontics team also know that having braces can pose some challenges. Many of these challenges are commonly faced by anyone who has braces, such as flossing, getting food stuck in your braces or orthodontic appliance, and bad breath.

BadBreath

Today, let’s talk about bad breath and what you can do to avoid it. You shouldn’t have to avoid a conversation with someone because you are afraid you have bad breath.

Fresh Breath Tips for Braces Wearers
• Choose to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Unhealthy, overly-processed foods that are full of sugar can contribute to bad breath. Choose to eat fresh produce, healthy proteins and grains, and dairy products.

• Drink healthy beverages. Stay away from sugary sodas, energy drinks and juices for the same reason – they also contribute to bad breath.

• Keep your body properly hydrated. A constantly dry mouth inhibits the production of saliva, which can lead to bad breath. Regular production of saliva removes bad bacteria and excess food from the mouth, which, in turn, will lead to fresher breath.

• Brush regularly and brush often. Brush your teeth (and your tongue) first thing each morning, after every meal and snack, and before you go to bed, to remove those food particles and bacteria that lead to bad breath.

• Remember to floss. Flossing with braces might seem a bit tricky, but it is an absolute must. The team at Horner Barrow Orthodontics can demonstrate the most effective way to floss while wearing braces.

• Use a mouthwash. Use a mouthwash recommended by Dr. Horner or Dr. Barrow. To achieve optimal results, swish the mouthwash around in your mouth for 30 seconds.

• Continue to have regular dental checkups and cleanings. Regular dental exams and cleanings are even more important when you are wearing braces. Having cavities can delay your orthodontic treatment progress, so be sure to visit your family dentist every six months.

Practice Good Hygiene Every Day
Good oral hygiene practices are important every day, whether or not you wear braces. However, they are even more important during the time you wear braces. In addition to your regular orthodontic checkups, see your general dentist for cleanings and exams.

Together, you and the Horner Barrow Orthodontics team can help keep your mouth healthy and fresh during and after your orthodontic treatment.

Do you bite your nails? Here are 5 good reasons to stop.

Dr. Kevin Horner

girl-biting-nailsYou know you should brush and floss twice a day, and visit your dentist twice a year, for optimal oral health.
Do you also know you should stop bad habits such as nail biting? Nail biting, also known as onychophagia, is a so-called nervous habit that can be triggered by boredom, stress, or excitement. Nail biting might seem like a harmless habit, but it can do more damage than you may think to your teeth.
It’s estimated that nearly half of all children between the ages of 10 and 18 have been nail biters at one time or another in their lives. Sixty percent of children and 45 percent of teenagers bite their nails, while 30 percent of adults do; however, most people stop chewing their nails by the time they reach the age of 30.
The main problem with nail biting is that it concentrates tremendous force in one particular location. This impact can cause damage, such as tooth fractures, chipped teeth and broken restorations. This force can also damage the jawbone, so it’s important for parents to help their children to stop their nail biting habit.
Here are 5 very good reasons to stop biting your nails (from an orthodontic and hygiene standpoint):
1. Nail biting wears down teeth. Over time, it can also erode enamel and cause uneven biting surfaces. Biting your nails, and chewing on thing like pens and pencils, means your teeth are constantly at work. These habits put added stress on them because they are being used all day.
2. Nail biting can lead to, or aggravate, temporomandibular disorder, causing jaw pain, headaches and locking of the jaw. Additionally, people who bite their nails are more likely to suffer from bruxism, or grinding of the teeth.
3. Nail biting can damage the roots of your teeth, making them weaker. This is especially true during orthodontic treatment, as nail biting while wearing braces can lead to root resorption. This is when the roots of the teeth get dissolved by the bone around it, causing the teeth to also weaken. That can significantly delay the progress of your orthodontic treatment.
4. Nail biting is unsanitary. No matter how often you wash your hands, your fingernails are still harboring germs. Biting your nails introduces new germs to your mouth, and can cause illness.
5. Nail biting can be an expensive habit. It can, literally, cost you money. The Academy of General Dentistry in the United States estimates that up to $4,000 in extra dental bills can build up over a lifetime of nail biting.
Dr. Horner and Dr. Barrow and the team at Horner Barrow Orthodontics recommend the following tips to help you kick your nail biting habit:
• Trim your fingernails. Keep the nails short by filing them, and trim the cuticles as well. If your nails are short, there will be less nail to bite. If you do find yourself biting a nail, stop right away and file the nail to not only shorten it, but to also file away any ragged edges.
• If stress causes you to bite, try breathing exercises or another calming exercise to relieve stress.
• Paint your fingernails with a bitter-tasting nail polish to help you keep your fingers out of your mouth.
• Treat yourself to a manicure on a regular basis. The monetary investment in having a beautiful set of nails might discourage you from damaging them, making you less inclined to bite your nails.
• Ask us about getting fitted for a mouthguard, which can help prevent nail biting.
• Put a rubber band around your wrist and snap it whenever you get the urge to chew on your fingernails.
• Think about when and why you bite your fingernails. Whether you are nervous, anxious or just bored, understanding your triggers can help you find a solution to finally stop the habit once and for all.
• If all else fails, do an online search for photos of the bacteria that live under your fingernails. Thinking about the dirt and grime that you ingest when you bite your nails might be enough to make you quit.
It’s important for parents to find a way to help their child break the habit before real damage is done. For adults who bite their nails, it’s important to quit and be sure to visit a dentist regularly to catch and repair any damage before it becomes too serious.
Just remember that nail biting isn’t the only bad habit that can damage the teeth. If you stop nail biting, be sure not to replace it with something else, like chewing on the end of a pen or pencil, which still creates the same effect as biting your nails.
For strong, healthy teeth, avoiding chewing on ice, don’t brush your teeth too aggressively, and don’t consciously grind your teeth. Teeth should never be used as a tool; if you’re having problems opening a package, use a pair of scissors instead of ripping it open with your teeth.
During the course of a day, your teeth can take a beating. It’s important to remember that your teeth should be used only for chewing food, and during the rest of the day, they need to rest. If you are concerned about damage that may have been caused by nail biting, or another bad habit, call our Sioux Falls, SD office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Horner or Dr. Barrow.
So, are you ready to kick that nail biting habit? You’ll be glad you did, and you’ll be doing your teeth and your overall health a big favor!

An apple a day for good oral health!

Dr. Kevin Horner

applesIf you want to maintain and/or improve your children’s oral and dental health, there are plenty of ways to do that with smart, healthy food selections, rather than the obvious avoidance of sugary foods and drinks like candy and soda. Did you know that apples are a healthy food for teeth?

An Apple A Day
Of course, we all know that apples are an all-around healthy food, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they’re good for your teeth, too. Apples are slightly acidic, which means they act as a gentle cleaning agent for your teeth. Although they’re certainly not a replacement for regular brushing and flossing, apples can also help to whiten your smile when eaten, as long as you eat the skin, too.

Yes, even if your child is wearing braces or Invisalign®, they can still eat apples to help improve their smile, but will have to use more care in doing so. Don’t allow them to bite into the whole apple with braces on – instead, cut up (and if they’re old enough, teach them how to cut up) the apple into smaller, bite-sized slices or pieces. This will help to maintain the integrity of the brackets, and ensure they don’t have to have anything readjusted, and it saves you a trip to the orthodontist, as well!

Having braces or Invisalign® should not keep your child from eating healthy foods – in fact, choosing foods with an eye for good oral and dental health is even more important!

The staff at Horner Barrow Orthodontics will be happy to help you and your children figure out the best way to make their smiles be as bright and healthy as possible. Call us at our Sioux Falls, SD office today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Kevin Horner or Dr. Keri Barrow!

It’s Time for Spring Cleaning…for your Teeth!

Dr. Kevin Horner

cherryblossomgirlMany people here in Sioux Falls, SD, see March as the start of spring-cleaning season. It’s time to wash the curtains and windows, clean out the cabinets and closets, get your flower beds and gardens in order, and schedule your next dentist/orthodontist appointment. Say what? Yes, spring is the perfect time to re-think your oral care regimen. Why not, since you’re already in the swing of spring cleaning!
Here are six things you can do to include your oral health in your spring-cleaning routine:
1. Call now to schedule your next dentist or orthodontist appointment, or both. Having your 6-month teeth cleaning this spring will help you feel refreshed, and will get your smile ready for spring holidays, upcoming graduations, confirmations, weddings; every wonderful life event that is on your calendar. Tell your orthodontist if you’ve noticed a change in your bite or the alignment of your teeth. If you have children, this could be the right time to schedule their first orthodontic consultation with Dr. Kevin Horner or Dr. Keri Barrow.
2. Replace that old toothbrush. The American Dental Association recommends that you replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, so toss that old toothbrush and treat yourself to a fresh, new toothbrush for the fresh, new season!
3. Resolve to include a new habit in your daily oral care routine. Try to be more diligent about regular flossing, be sure to brush your teeth after every meal, or start using mouthwash on a regular basis. See our recipe for DIY mouthwash here.
4. Thoroughly clean your orthodontic appliances and equipment: your retainer, mouth guard, headgear, and don’t forget the cases that hold those items. Denture cleaning tablets, white vinegar, and baking soda can all help make the “spring” cleaning process easier, and all of them are very effective, and safe, cleaning agents.
5. Be sure to add more calcium and vitamin D to your diet. Adding healthy foods rich in these nutrients to your diet will help to strengthen your teeth, and are important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Low-fat dairy products, spinach, and eggs are all great foods to include in your diet.
6. Drink more water. For overall better health, drink more water. Keeping your body properly hydrated will give you more energy and will help your whole body function better. Water also works as a mild mouthwash, and helps promote better digestion.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we want to help you (and your smile) be the best you can be. We thank you for trusting us with your orthodontic care.

The benefits of braces…besides straight teeth.

Dr. Kevin Horner

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we believe that everyone would like to have a naturally-aligned, beautiful smile, if only for cosmetic or aesthetic reasons. However, there are even greater benefits to wearing braces than just having straight teeth. You’ll gain many oral health benefits in addition to the obvious cosmetic ones.

Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

Crooked (misaligned) or crowded teeth may overlap each other and create tight spaces in between. These crooked or crowded teeth can make it very difficult to brush and floss effectively, allowing bacteria and plaque to build up, and eventually leading to tooth decay and gum disease (gingivititis). With orthodontic treatment, your teeth will become properly aligned and spaced, allowing for more effective brushing and flossing.

Speech Difficulties

Believe it or not, your teeth play an important role in your speech. When teeth are out of line, or jut too far forward or backward, this can affect your speech patterns, and possibly cause you embarrassment and frustration. Braces can readjust the positioning of the teeth to allow for clearer, more professional speaking.

Jawbone Erosion

The jawbone and gum tissues can start to erode when there are no teeth to support. This is also true for poorly-aligned teeth that leave gaps and spaces, or place too much pressure on the jawbone due to a bad bite. After treatment with braces, the jawbone and tissues are less likely to erode and can continue to support the teeth in their new alignment.

Digestion

Your teeth play an important role in digestion. Before food ever enters your stomach, it has been partially digested by the teeth. If teeth are severely out of line, however, they may not perform their function in breaking down food as effectively as they should. With braces, your teeth will be straightened into optimal alignment for proper eating and chewing, thereby aiding in the digestion process.

Dr. Horner and Dr. Barrow and the staff at Horner Barrow Orthodontics would be happy to answer any of your questions about your orthodontic treatment. Call or visit our Sioux Falls, SD office today!

Orthodontic Emergencies…What To Do.

Dr. Kevin Horner

emergency-careMajor orthodontic emergencies are fairly rare; however, when they do occur it is very important to seek immediate attention by an orthodontist. As a general rule, you should call our Sioux Falls, SD office when you experience severe pain or have a painful appliance problem you can’t take care of yourself. We’ll be able to schedule an appointment to resolve the problem. By comparison, a minor orthodontic issue is something you can usually take care of yourself temporarily, or wait until your next scheduled appointment for care.

If there is a loose piece that you can remove, put it in a plastic bag or envelope and bring it with you to your next appointment. If your braces are poking you, put soft wax on the piece that’s sticking out. If the wire has slid to one side, you can pull it back to the other side with needle-nosed pliers, replacing it in the tube on the back tooth.

After alleviating your discomfort, it is very important that you call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem. Allowing your orthodontic appliance to remain damaged for any length of time could result in disruptions to your treatment plan.

Here are some more specific guidelines to help you understand the difference between a true orthodontic emergency and a minor orthodontic issue.

Orthodontic Emergencies

Acute, Direct Injury to the Mouth, Jaw, or Teeth. Whether or not you are undergoing orthodontic care, if you suffer an injury to your mouth, jaw, or teeth, you should see a doctor or dentist immediately. You may need an X-ray to determine the extent of your injury. If the injury affects the orthodontic appliances, they will need an adjustment or possibly replacement, depending upon the extent of the injury.

Infected Teeth. It is possible for teeth to become infected following orthodontic treatment. This may or may not be related to your orthodontic appliances. If you experience pain or swelling around a tooth that gets progressively worse, seek professional care as soon as possible.

Minor Orthodontic Issues

While true orthodontic emergencies are rare, minor issues are much more common. The following are some examples of minor orthodontic issues that can be remedied by you and/or fixed at your next office visit:

  • Loose bracket
  • Loose elastic band
  • Loose wire
  • Loose appliance
  • Poking wire
  • Headgear does not fit
  • Lost or broken elastic band
  • General soreness or discomfort

Any of these issues can occur as a result of normal every day usage, shifting, and wear of your braces. Eating really hard or sticky, gummy foods can cause or aggravate these problems. Vigorous brushing of the teeth can also be a factor. None of these issues are considered to be orthodontic emergencies unless they are accompanied by acute or prolonged pain or discomfort.

As for on-the-spot remedies, covering a loose bracket or wire with wax can be a quick fix to ease any discomfort until your next visit to us here at Horner Barrow Orthodontics. Poking or protruding wires can be moved with a cotton swab or tweezers, or trimmed down with nail clippers. Just remember to always sterilize the tweezers or clippers in alcohol first. Cover any clipped wire ends with a small ball of wax.

Loose Bracket. If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it if needed for comfort. If the bracket or band can be removed easily, place it in an envelope and save it to bring to your next appointment.

Loose Wire. Using a pair of tweezers or needle-nosed pliers, try to put your wire back into place. It is okay to use a piece of floss to tie the wire into place: tie the floss around the bracket in place of the missing colored o-ring. If you cannot put the wire into a comfortable position, and covering the end with wax doesn’t help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If the end of the wire is still sharp, you can place wax on it.

Poking Wire. Using a pencil eraser, push the poking wire down or place wax on it so that it is no longer poking your mouth.

General Soreness. When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth, and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. Some soreness or small abrasions in the mouth are normal, especially with recent orthodontic work. Stick to a soft diet until your teeth do not hurt to chewing. Irritated gums and other sore spots can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt-water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in eight ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth thoroughly. If the tenderness is severe, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or whatever you would normally take for headache or similar pain. Please note: aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen sodium (Naprosyn, Anaprox) actually slow the tooth movement, so it is not advisable to use them frequently while wearing braces.

The lips, cheeks, and tongue may become irritated for one to two weeks as they learn a new posture and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can put wax on the braces to lessen this. We’ll show you how!

Sometimes discomfort can be caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed. Please refer to the instructions provided by the Horner Barrow Orthodontics team. If the facebow (metal piece) is bent, please call our office for assistance. The headgear should hurt less the more it’s worn, so be sure you get in the prescribed number of hours.

When in doubt whether it’s a true emergency or something that can wait until your next appointment, be sure to contact our office with any questions you might have. At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we’re here to help!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month

Dr. Kevin Horner

NOHMpumpkin-small-CopyIt’s October! What does this autumn month mean to you? For people in the northern part of the country, October is when the weather starts to get a little chilly; the warmer sweaters and jackets come out of storage and the summer clothing gets packed away until next year. You find ways to enjoy the cooler days and nights, and the beautiful, colorful fall foliage. You start making plans for the upcoming busy season of holidays. October means something a little different to our team at Horner Barrow Orthodontics because it is National Orthodontic Health Month. During October, orthodontic practices all over the country work together to promote their services and inform their local communities about the important work we do.

National Orthodontic Health Month is a health awareness campaign created cooperatively by orthodontists and other dental health professionals. During this month, we make a special effort to promote dental health and orthodontic health in particular. It is a really good time to get your questions answered by dental professionals in your community and to learn more about exactly what an orthodontist can do for you and your family. Events held in connection with National Orthodontic Health Month are also an opportunity for us (orthodontists) to come out and meet community members. If you have never been to an orthodontist before, you might not know what to expect. Meeting your orthodontist in person before your first checkup is a great way to find out what kind of person you’ll be seeing during your appointment.

Meeting Dr. Horner or Dr. Barrow in a relaxed “meet and greet” atmosphere can be especially helpful for any young orthodontic patients in your family. Kids of all ages (and their parents, as well) can feel anxious about going to the orthodontist. Getting to know the person you have an appointment with can make the experience a lot less stressful for everyone. Just meeting and talking with the orthodontist you’ll be seeing may be enough to put you more at ease about your upcoming appointment.

Dental health is something that affects everyone; healthy teeth and gums contribute to a healthy smile and a lifetime of comfort and well-being. Orthodontists are just one of the various dental practitioners you could visit at some point in your life, so taking a little time to learn who we are and what we do is certain to be a helpful experience. We look forward to seeing you and your family this October in our Sioux Falls, SD office!

What is a water pik? Do I need one?

Dr. Kevin Horner

Water piks (also known as oral irrigators) are a great addition to your regular oral health care routine of brushing and flossing. An especially helpful tool for those folks who suffer from periodontal disease (gingivitis) and for our patients in orthodontic treatment with full braces, water piks use tiny, but powerful bursts of water to dislodge bits of food, bacteria, and other yucky debris hiding in the nooks and crannies of your mouth. Patients in orthodontic treatment may find using a water pik helpful if their toothbrush bristles tend to get caught on the wires or brackets.

When you use a water pik, you’re not only dislodging any particles or debris and bacteria you might have missed when brushing, you are also gently massaging your gums, which helps promote blood flow in the gums, keeping them healthy. Do keep in mind, however, that while water piks are an excellent addition to your daily fight against gingivitis and other periodontal diseases, they are NOT capable of completely removing plaque. That’s why Dr. Horner and Dr. Barrow and the team at Horner Barrow Orthodontics want to remind you to keep brushing and flossing every day, and to continue to see your family dentist every six months for your regular dental checkups.

If you have sensitive teeth or gums and find it uncomfortable to floss daily, a water pik can be a good way to reduce discomfort while effectively cleaning between teeth. Diabetics sometimes prefer water piks to flossing because they don’t cause bleeding of the gums, which can be a problem when using floss. If you have a permanent bridge, crowns, or other type of dental restoration, you may also find that using a water pik helps you keep the area around the restorations clean.

How do you choose the right water pik for you?

Water piks are available for home or portable use. The home models are larger and use standard electrical outlets, while the portable versions use batteries. Aside from the size difference, they work in essentially the same way, both using pulsating water streams. A more critical difference in water piks is the ability to adjust the water pressure. Most home models will let you choose from several pressure settings, which can be very important, depending on how sensitive your teeth and gums are. Most portable versions have only one pressure setting. If you want to use mouthwash or a dental rinse in your water pik, first check the label. Some water piks recommend using water only.

Please give us a call at our Sioux Falls, SD office if you have any questions about water piks. You can also ask Dr. Horner or Dr. Barrow about them during your next visit.

The 3 Best Ways to Fight Bad Breath

Dr. Kevin Horner

bad-breath

No one likes bad breath (halitosis), and though it can sometimes be difficult to know yourself that you have it, it is always better to practice good oral hygiene than to risk having a smelly mouth. While there are many ways to reduce or eliminate bad breath, some are definitely more effective and longer-lasting than others.

Here are the 3 best ways to fight bad breath:

Floss Daily
Hard as it may can be to remember to floss daily, when it comes to bad breath, flossing is one of THE easiest and most cost-effective ways to freshen your mouth and breath. Flossing reduces the plaque and bacteria found in areas of your mouth that brushing simply can’t reach, and therefore, rids your mouth of the bad smell associated with that bacteria. While flossing may not eliminate bad breath on its own, if you combine it with other healthy oral hygiene habits like brushing, you will surely have a fresher, cleaner smelling (and feeling) mouth.

Use A Mouthwash
Using a mouthwash can really freshen your breath, especially if you find it still smells after brushing and flossing. There is a wide selection of mouthwash products to choose from, but if you are budget-conscious, you can also create your own mouthwash by simply mixing baking soda with water.

Here’s an easy recipe to make your own flavored mouthwash.
A lidded container – you can use a small mason jar
½ cup filtered or distilled water
2 tsp baking soda
2 drops peppermint essential oil

Baking soda will tend to settle to the bottom of the mason jar, so be sure to shake your mouthwash before each use. Swish about 2-3 teaspoons of your homemade formula in your mouth for a minute or two. As with any mouthwash, try to avoid swallowing it while gargling.

Be Sure To Brush After You Sleep
Whether waking after taking an afternoon nap, or in the morning after a full night’s sleep, you should brush your teeth in order to reduce bad breath. The reason for this is, bacteria accumulates in your mouth while you are sleeping (even during a short cat nap) and that is ultimately the source of your bad breath. The next time you wake from a good sleep, give your teeth, tongue and mouth some brushing and you will find that practicing this simple habit makes a big difference in the freshness of your breath.

There are many healthier ways to freshen your breath beyond just using gum or mints. The 3 tips above are (in our opinion) the best remedies for you to try. Put them to the test and you will most likely find that your bad breath problem is resolved, or at least considerably reduced. Of course, you can always ask Dr. Horner or Dr. Barrow about dealing with your halitosis during your next visit to our Sioux Falls, SD office.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to helping you keep your smile and your mouth healthy and beautiful!