It’s fall again, which means not only are the holidays right around the corner, but so too is cold and flu season. While avoiding illness is hard enough without having to constantly take aligners in and out of your mouth, when you wear Invisalign this can be a very nerve-racking time of year.
Here’s how you can help stay safe this cold and flu season, even if you wear Invisalign.
Keep it Clean
Washing your hands during cold and flu season is a must. For added safety, you can even take a long a small bottle of hand sanitizer when you go out. Yes, this also means your hands are more likely to dry out and chap, so consider packing a tube of hand lotion, too.
If you wear Invisalign, it’s very important that you wash your hands well before and after removing your aligners. This will help keep germs off them, and off of you. Be sure to rinse them well after removing them, and you can rinse them again before putting them back on (with clean hands!) for an additional layer of protection.
When you take them out, make sure you don’t put them down on a surface like a table or counter. Put them immediately in their case or in a glass of retainer soak. Furthermore, keep on track with your oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing, as this will not only keep your teeth and aligners clean, but it will also help you steer clear of harmful germs.
Watch Your Meds
If you do find yourself ill, remember that some cold medicines aren’t as innocent as you might think. Cough syrup is full of sugar that can coat your teeth, so be sure to brush your teeth after taking it. The same goes for cough drops or lozenges. Even if you opt for the sugar-free variety (which is preferable), they can still coat your teeth and dirty your aligners.
Stay Hydrated
It is especially important to stay hydrated when you’re sick, because it helps flush your system out. It also benefits your oral health if you are congested, because you are more likely to breathe through your mouth, causing it to dry out. This can create the perfect conditions for oral bacteria to proliferate, putting your teeth at risk for cavities and your gums at risk for gum disease!
Remember, cold and flu season is an unavoidable fact of life, but wearing Invisalign doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to illness. To improve your odds of staying healthy, be sure to wash your hands and aligners well, and drink plenty of water!
About Our Practice
At Buckhead Orthodontics, we care about your health and the health of our community. Our husband-and-wife team strives to treat each patient like family, and that means helping to provide the information you need to stay safe during the cold and flu season and beyond.
To schedule an appointment for Invisalign, please visit our website or call us today at 404-697-7497.