Fall is here, and along with all the wonderful things to look forward to this time of year, there’s at least one not so great one: cold and flu season. Worse yet, while it’s hard enough to stay healthy under normal conditions, if you wear Invisalign aligners, avoiding illness is even harder.
Here are a few best practices for preventing sickness this season while under orthodontic treatment.
It’s a Wash
If the pandemic taught the world anything it was the importance of washing your hands. During cold and flu season, this is an absolute must, especially if you wear Invisalign aligners. In addition to frequent washing, you may want to take along a trusty bottle of hand sanitizer when you go out, and maybe even some hand cream too.
With Invisalign, it’s important to always wash your hands properly before touching your aligners, be it to put them on or take them off. This will help keep them germ free, so they stay clean, and you stay healthy. When you remove them, be sure to put them somewhere safe such as their case or in a glass of retainer cleanser. Never put them down on a table or countertop.
Finally, don’t forget to stay on top of your oral hygiene by brushing and flossing each time you eat. This will keep your aligners and teeth clean and help protect you from germs.
Menacing Medicines
If you do end up sick (it happens) remember that many cold medicines can be bad for your mouth. Cough syrup is full of sugar which can stick around on your teeth, so make sure you brush them after you take it and before you put your aligners back on. Be sure to remove them if you take any cough drops or lozenges, and brush before putting them back on as well, and remember even sugar free varieties can still leave harmful residue in your mouth.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
You’ve probably heard your doctor (or your mom) say “drink plenty of fluids” when you’re sick. That’s because water helps flush your system out. It also helps if you’re congested, because if you’re mouth-breathing your mouth will dry out faster. This will make it easier for dangerous oral bacteria to proliferate, increasing your risk of gum disease and cavities.
Remember, while you probably can’t hide away from the world until cold and flu season is over, you can still do many things to protect yourself from illness. Just be sure to wash your hands often, drink plenty of fluids, and keep your teeth and Invisalign aligners clean!
About Our Practice
At Amaze Dental, we want to amaze you with your experience. Dr. Najjar and Dr. Le and the team work hard to provide only the care you need, without the pushy sales tactics that you may have experienced at other practices. We are proud to provide high quality dental care with comfort in mind, and our number one goal is to earn your trust so that you’ll never be hesitant to make your oral health a priority.
To schedule an appointment for Invisalign, please visit our website or call us today at 972-230-1100.