As cold and flu season quickly approaches, you may be worried about how you plan to avoid the runny nose, chest congestion, and sore throat that can occur. While you may be planning a trip to the store to buy various medicines and nasal sprays to target symptoms when they occur, it’s also important to have a proper game plan for how to address these issues at home, especially if you’re wearing Invisalign clear aligners. Keep reading to discover three helpful tips that will keep your trays, smile, and overall health in the best possible shape.
Tip #1: Don’t Forgo Your Oral Hygiene Routine.
If the idea of getting out of bed sounds horrific, don’t let the way you feel keep you from taking proper care of your teeth, gums, and clear aligners. Making sure you stay on top of your oral hygiene routine while also giving your trays a thorough cleaning is essential if you want to avoid more harmful bacteria.
The germs that collect on your aligners and inside your mouth throughout the night and during the day need to be addressed. While regular brushing and flossing are most effective for your teeth and gums, gently brushing your trays and giving them a thorough rinse is also necessary. Also, soaking your aligners once a day can help eliminate even more particles and debris.
Tip #2: Keep Your Hands Clean.
Germs are everyone. Whether you’re at home, work, or school, everything you touch can be easily transferred to your mouth and aligners. This is why it’s crucial to wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water.
When preparing to eat or drink, give your hands a thorough cleaning before taking out your trays. This reduces the chances of harmful bacteria transferring to your aligners and remaining there throughout your meal. If you would rather avoid using your hands, you can inquire about an OrthoKey, which is a small, hook-shaped device that makes it easier to remove your trays.
Tip #3: Stay Hydrated by Drinking Lots of Water.
There’s a reason doctors encourage patients to drink lots of fluids (water) when sick. Not only does it keep you hydrated, but it also stimulates saliva production – a component that is essential for flushing out harmful bacteria and neutralizing acids inside the mouth.
Water is the one beverage you can consume while still wearing your Invisalign trays, so have as much of it as you like. Consuming lots of water will also prevent dry mouth, which can make it easier for bacteria to thrive and negatively affect your smile, body, and braces.
By using these three tips, you will be well on your way to pushing through cold and flu season without a delay in treatment.
About the Author
Dr. Udoka Holinbeck earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. As a holistic dentist at Bionica Dental Wellness, she and her team provide Invisalign clear aligners to those who desire a more discreet form of orthodontic treatment. Capable of addressing all types of dental issues, such as overcrowding, gapped teeth, and bite misalignment, she offers helpful tips and recommendations to help patients navigate various seasons and illnesses while wearing Invisalign. If you need help to ensure your treatment stays on track during cold and flu season, visit our website or call (262) 337-9745.