It’s October, which means cold and flu season has arrived. As the weather cools down, you may look around and notice more runny noses and hear more coughs. While it’s tempting to focus solely on rest and recovery, it’s essential not to let illness disrupt your Invisalign treatment. Staying on track with your orthodontic care is still possible, even during this time of year. Here are a few tips to help you continue your Invisalign journey smoothly.
Keep Your Hands Clean
Maintaining clean hands is crucial to avoid introducing harmful bacteria into your body, especially when you’re sick. Since you need to use your hands to remove and insert your Invisalign aligners, frequent hand washing is essential. Wash with soap and water regularly, particularly before touching your aligners. Consider using an aligner removal tool like an OrthoKey so you can remove your aligners without having to use your hands directly, keeping the process more sanitary.
Stick to Your Oral Hygiene Routine
When you’re feeling under the weather, it’s easy to skip parts of your daily routine, including oral hygiene. However, maintaining a regular brushing and flossing schedule is more important than ever, especially if you’re consuming sugary cough syrups or throat lozenges. These products can increase the risk of tooth decay if left on your teeth for too long. Brush your teeth and clean your aligners after every meal or sugary medication to keep your mouth healthy and prevent cavities.
Opt for a Nutrient-Rich Diet
It’s common to reach for comfort foods like crackers or sodas when you’re sick, but it’s important to stay mindful of your overall nutrition. Instead, aim to eat nutrient-rich foods that will help your body recover faster and keep your teeth strong. Foods like lean proteins, fresh fruits, and leafy greens are packed with vitamins and minerals that boost both your immune system and oral health.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is key to staying hydrated and supporting your body’s immune response, especially when you’re not feeling well. Water also helps wash away bacteria from your mouth, reducing the risk of plaque buildup and tooth decay. The best part? You can drink water without removing your aligners, meaning you can stay hydrated and meet your Invisalign wear time goals simultaneously.
Keep Essential Tools on Hand
When managing a cold or the flu, it’s helpful to have a few key items nearby to make the experience more comfortable and manageable. Keep water, unsweetened tea, and cough syrup at arm’s reach to stay hydrated and soothe symptoms. Hand sanitizer, lip balm, and dental wax can also be useful. Hand sanitizer keeps germs at bay when soap and water aren’t available, while lip balm prevents your lips from getting dry, and dental wax helps with any discomfort from your aligners.
About the Practice
21st Century Dental of Irving is dedicated to helping patients achieve healthier, more beautiful smiles. Our office is equipped with the latest in dental technology, ensuring you receive top-notch care. Should you have any questions about your Invisalign treatment, don’t hesitate to reach us via our website or call (972) 734-1464.