The dip in weather and start of the new semester often means one thing: cold and flu season is right around the corner. Fortunately, eating a vitamin-rich diet and taking extensive measures to practice proper infection control can help keep your immune system strong. However, patients with Invisalign should use this season to ensure their clear aligners and oral health are in tip-top shape. If you are unsure where to start, then keep reading!
#1. Wash Your Hands Frequently
When Invisalign introduced revolutionary trays that were not only virtually invisible but also completely removable, the field of dentistry was forever changed. While the ability to pop the trays in and out offers patients today with a new level of freedom, it also means your hands are touching your mouth more than ever. Unfortunately, this can be detrimental to your oral health since up to 5 million bacteria can live on your hands at any given time. If neglected, they can enter your mouth and make their way through your digestive tract or into your bloodstream. To avoid this, make sure to wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
#2. Keep Your Aligners Clean
To prevent your aligners from staining, patients with Invisalign are instructed to remove their trays while eating, rinse them before putting them back in, and wash them daily. While following these guidelines is crucial year-round, it is especially important during cold and flu season. If the trays are not disinfected regularly, bacteria can make a home in the crevices and continually be exposed to your mouth each time you put them in. Therefore, it is crucial to speak with your dentist about how to clean them thoroughly to prevent this from happening.
#3. Don’t Skip Your Brushing and Flossing Routine
Cough drops and cough syrup are two staples of flu season, but they have another important thing in common: they can wreak havoc on your teeth! Sucking on cough drops or consuming cough syrup can lead to several dental issues if a solid brushing and flossing routine isn’t in place. Plus, vomiting can expose your teeth to the powerful acid in your stomach, which can erode the enamel and lead to severe staining. Therefore, make sure to consistently practice a solid oral hygiene routine.
To ensure your oral and physical health remain in tip-top shape this cold and flu season, take extra measures to keep your aligners clean. That way, you can finish treatment with a beautiful smile and equally as strong teeth!
About the Practice
Texas Dentistry and Braces strives to help patients maintain healthy smiles for a lifetime in Terrell, TX. Led by a skilled team of six dentists, the staff effectively treats everyone who comes through the front door with a friendly, gentle touch. Areas of expertise include general, pediatric, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as tooth-colored fillings. To learn more about tooth-colored fillings, contact the office online or dial (972) 563-9444.