4 Cold & Flu Survival Guide Tips While Wearing Invisalign

Invisalign offers patients a chance to enjoy a more flexible and discreet form of orthodontic treatment. However, this advantage can pose a potential problem, especially during cold and flu season. If you need help to avoid poor oral health and/or a delay in your Invisalign treatment, here are four tips for navigating this time of year.

Wash Your Hands

Between blowing your nose and touching various surfaces, your hands pick up a lot of germs. When wearing Invisalign, you have to use your fingers to remove and reinsert your trays, which can transfer harmful bacteria from your hands to your aligners and then to your teeth.

Always make sure that you are washing your hands correctly with soap and warm water. This will eliminate bad bacteria that can lead to poor oral health. If you prefer, you can buy an OrthoKey or a similar product to help you remove your aligners without using your fingernails.

Drink a Lot of Water

Dry mouth is common while wearing aligners and suffering from a cold. Make sure to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated and keep your mouth moist. This not only flushes away harmful bacteria but also stimulates your salivary glands, effectively neutralizing acids that can lead to enamel erosion.

Also, since you are encouraged to drink lots of water, you can keep your aligners in, so you don’t need to worry about hitting your daily wear time allotment.

Sanitize Your Aligners and Protective Case

Your aligners need just as much care as your teeth and gums. If you are trying to get over a cold or the flu, make sure you clean your aligners and your protective case regularly. This reduces the number of bad bacteria reentering your mouth. In addition to brushing them, you’ll want to soak them for a more thorough clean. This will ensure your trays are healthy when it’s time to wear them again. You can also run your case through the dishwasher, as a simple rinse isn’t enough to effectively remove germs.

Take Sugar-Free Medications and Supplements

When battling the cold or flu, you likely have medicines, vitamins, and supplements to help you recover. Unfortunately, many contain high amounts of sugar. Whether it’s cough drops or syrup you’re using, opt for sugar-free products if possible. This helps minimize cavities and tooth decay, as long as you remember to rinse your mouth afterward.

Don’t let cold and flu season get you down. Use these helpful tips to ensure your smile (and aligners) stay healthy and on track during Invisalign treatment.

About the Author
Dr. Travis Markle started Southern Oaks Dental in 2006 and continues to provide exceptional dental care to patients throughout Tyler and its nearby communities. Offering Invisalign as a clear alternative to metal braces, he helps individuals work toward a straighter smile, even when faced with unexpected illness. If you want to know how you can navigate cold and flu season while wearing these clear aligners, visit our website or call (903) 597-7902 to schedule an appointment.