Invisalign clear aligners have straightened out the smiles of millions of patients without the conspicuous metal parts and frustrating eating restrictions that come with metal braces. Patients usually report that this modern orthodontic treatment is easier and more comfortable than traditional teeth-straightening methods, but it still requires a dedicated oral hygiene regimen to keep the process on track and prevent infections of the mouth as well as other areas of the body. Here are a few tips for staying healthy during cold and flu season while wearing Invisalign.
Mind Where Your Hands Go
Patients use their hands a lot when wearing Invisalign for tasks such as placing and removing their aligners and performing oral hygiene, and failing to wash your hands properly can leave you much more vulnerable to cold and flu germs. While it’s not always practical to wash your hands before handling your aligners, it may be a great idea to carry hand sanitizer in your oral hygiene kit to help you minimize germ exposure.
Keep Your Area Clean
Surfaces that are frequently touched by human hands such as doorknobs, desks, and computer keyboards can become quite populous with germs if they aren’t cleaned regularly, and handling your Invisalign trays after interacting with these objects can expose you to harmful microbes. To help minimize your risk of developing the cold or flu this winter, be sure to keep your home and workspace sanitary by treating it with the appropriate cleaning products. This will help you preserve your oral and overall health while also making the places where you live and work a little nicer.
Stay Hydrated
While people are used to being told to drink plenty of water during the hotter months, they may not realize that is equally important to stay hydrated during cold and flu season. Dry mouth is an oral health problem that can leave the teeth more vulnerable to injury and allow harmful bacteria to multiply more easily, and dehydration is one of the most effective ways to develop this uncomfortable issue.
Unfortunately, orthodontic patients are at a greater risk of developing dry mouth as well as the infections it can lead to. Drinking lots of water while wearing Invisalign will give your body the hydration it needs to produce plenty of saliva to help keep your teeth safe and your mouth clean while you are wearing Invisalign clear aligners. It will also help your body produce sweat, which plays a key role in flushing harmful germs from the other tissues of the body.
The flu and the common cold are unpleasant problems that can be avoided with the proper precautions. By taking care to stay on top of your oral hygiene while wearing Invisalign aligners, you can help your body stay healthy and strong during the winter months.
About the Author
Dr. Kevin Grill earned his dental degree at Ohio State University and stays abreast of the latest dental techniques by regularly participating in continuing education courses. He is also proud to serve as a member of the Ohio Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the Columbus Dental Society. His office in Huntsville provides general, pediatric, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign treatments. To learn more about proper Invisalign hygiene, contact his office online or dial (937) 843-3932.