Cold and flu season is fast approaching, but this year, it doesn’t feel quite as significant. Due to the widespread fear of the pandemic, the last thing most people are worried about is catching a cold. After all, we’ve been taking measures to prevent the spread of germs for the better part of 2020. However, if you’re living with Invisalign, staying healthy requires a bit more effort. Luckily, a dentist is here to provide you with four easy tips for surviving the cold and flu season with Invisalign in The Colony.
Wash Your Hands Before Touching Your Trays
Before 2020, many people would fall into the habit of removing their aligners before a meal and only washing their hands after eating. If there’s anything this year has taught us, though, it’s that washing your hands is always important. Whenever you think about taking your trays out to eat or clean your teeth, scrub your hands clean first. That way you won’t accidentally transfer germs from your hands to your mouth.
Avoid Sugary Cough Medicine
As the weather cools down, many people develop a sore throat. While sipping cough syrup or popping in a throat lozenge can remedy this, many of these products are packed with sugar. It’s unhealthy even for those without Invisalign, but if you do, the sugar can get trapped between the trays and teeth, speeding up the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. Make sure your sore throat remedies say “sugar-free.”
Watch Where You Place Your Aligners
Whether you’re working in an office or at your kitchen table, you should never set your aligners down anywhere besides your Invisalign carrying case. Not only can you lose the trays this way, but you never know what kinds of germs you might be bringing into your mouth.
Keep Your Trays Clean
In addition to washing your hands and being careful where you set your trays down, you should also clean them every day. One way to do this is by soaking them in room-temperature water or an Invisalign cleaning solution once a day while you eat. It also helps to gently scrub your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear antibacterial hand soap. Just don’t use toothpaste, as that can damage the plastic.
2020’s cold and flu season will undoubtedly be unlike any other. If you’re going through Invisalign treatment, following these tips can keep you and your loved ones healthy while you attain a beautifully straight smile!
About the Dentist
Dr. Austin Amos earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston. Through his memberships with many professional organizations, such as the American Dental Association, he has become skilled in a variety of dental services, including Invisalign orthodontics. For more tips on surviving cold and flu season with Invisalign in The Colony, contact Ridgepointe Dental at (972) 625-4746.