Many teens and adults wanting straighter smiles choose Invisalign because it’s a discreet alternative to traditional braces. Instead of relying on metal wires and brackets, these smooth plastic trays are customized to fit snuggly over your teeth to gently reposition them.
However, because you must wear your clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily, you’re at an increased risk of developing oral issues like cavities or gum disease. This is particularly true when contagious germs run rampant during cold and flu season. If you’ve caught the sniffles, keep reading to learn three helpful tips for surviving illness with Invisalign!
Tip #1: Wash Your Hands
You likely already wash your hands after certain times, like before enjoying a meal or after using the restroom, but people who wear Invisalign must be extra careful about keeping their hands clean. Otherwise, you could introduce additional bacteria to your mouth when you reach in to remove or insert your trays. If you’ve touched anything covered in flu germs, you can easily catch it this way.
Do your best to wash your hands before and after you’ve touched your trays to prevent spreading illnesses. You might also carry a small container of hand sanitizer with your carrying case to eradicate unwanted particles if you’re not near a sink with soap.
Tip #2: Stay Hydrated
If you’ve caught a head cold, your stuffy nose can make breathing almost impossible. As a result, many people inhale and exhale through their mouths when ill, leading to dry mouth. Saliva is your body’s first defense against bacteria; without enough moisture, they can proliferate.
Drinking plenty of water is a great way to boost your immune system while simultaneously preserving your oral health. It rinses away germs and debris while keeping your mouth clean. This can help fight the virus as well as dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
Tip #3: Stick To Your Routine
When your entire body aches, you might feel tempted to drop into bed without brushing your teeth. Unfortunately, doing so can be problematic because it leaves you more vulnerable to cavities and periodontal problems. To make matters worse, many cough drops and syrups are loaded with sugar that attracts unhealthy microbes. Brushing and flossing twice daily is essential to safeguarding your smile when you’re sick. You should also continue to wash your Invisalign with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild dish soap that won’t harm the material.
By making these few slight adjustments, you can keep your grin in great shape this fall!
About the Practice
At Lake Boone Dentistry, you and the entire family benefit from a team of compassionate providers who offer a wide range of top-quality services. With 40+ years of combined experience, they are dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their lives by enhancing their oral health. They take the time to get to know your unique needs, then utilize state-of-the-art equipment to deliver fully individualized treatments to meet them. If you would like to straighten your smile with Invisalign, you can request a consultation on the website or call (919) 781-8610.