How to Survive Cold & Flu Season with Invisalign

While any time is good for Invisalign, some months are tricker for treatment than others. Patients often struggle to use the clear aligners well during cold and flu season. In fact, the winter months present unique challenges to Invisalign unless you take certain precautions. Given all those facts, your Ellicott City dentist wants to offer some crucial aligner advice. Here are four great tips on how to survive cold and flu season with Invisalign.

Remember to Hydrate

Firstly, you should definitely remember to hydrate during this season. Failing to do so could cause issues with your Invisalign treatment.

You see, winter illnesses like the cold and flu affect more than skin and body temperature. These conditions often dry out your mouth by reducing the presence of saliva. Dry mouth is already a common problem for Invisalign users, so the risk of getting it this season is even higher. You’ll need to increase your water intake to avoid bad breath and cavities.

Pay Attention to Your Hands

Another factor to consider this season is your hands. More specifically, you should always wash them before touching your clear trays; you’ll suffer oral problems otherwise.

Note that your hands can easily pick up cold and flu germs in winter. Since these microbes are widespread during the season, you might gather them by touching common surfaces. They could then transfer to your mouth if you touch your trays with unwashed hands.

Don’t Skip Brushing & Flossing

If you’re sick with a cold or flu bug, skipping normal routines is tempting. Still, please don’t skip your normal brushing or flossing habits.

To be clear, Invisalign aligners can keep harmful bacteria on your teeth. Not brushing or flossing before using them would increase your risk of cavities, gum disease, etc. In winter, skipping those habits would also make you more likely to get sick.

Keep Work & Personal Areas Clean

You wouldn’t want your aligners to put you at risk of a cold or flu. That being the case, keep things like your desk, computer, and electronics clean.

The surfaces of many household objects can house a lot of bad bacteria. For instance, a University of Arizona study found that the average desk has 400 times more germs than a toilet seat. The same research also concluded cell phones have ten times the bacteria. In light of those points, you should clean such items more before putting your aligners near them.

Ready to learn other ways to survive cold and flu season with Invisalign? In that case, consult your dental provider in the coming days!

About the Practice

Ellicott City Smiles Dental Group is based in Ellicott City, MD. Led by our many excellent dentists, our practice takes a multi-specialty approach to dental care. We offer preventive, cosmetic, and even restorative smile services, all to ensure each patient can get their dream grin. Our office is also a proud provider of Invisalign clear aligners that straighten teeth! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (410)-465-3224.