Taking proper care of yourself isn’t always an easy task, especially during cold & flu season! The decrease in temperature usually means an increase in the number of germs and bacteria floating around that spread illnesses. But luckily, there are many preventive measures you can take to ensure that you remain healthy and vital. And for people undergoing Invisalign treatment this is particularly important, as your trays can act as vehicles for bacteria if you aren’t careful! Here are four tips from your dentist to help you survive this cold & flu season if you’re undergoing Invisalign treatment.
1. Be Mindful of Your Hands
You should strive to keep your hands clean year-round, but especially during flu season, and more than ever if you’re undergoing Invisalign treatment. You should wash your hands before doing anything with your trays—your trays act as mini petri dishes that can easily pick up germs and transfer them to your mouth.
If you have dirty hands, you will inevitably have dirty trays when you go to touch them! And since it’s not always possible to have clean hands when it’s time to remove your trays, using a tool like an OrthoKey or Pul Tool can help you remove them without touching them.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
Water has many amazing health and wellness benefits: it keeps your mouth hydrated, assists with the removal of lingering bacteria, and freshens your breath! It’s also the only fluid you should be drinking when you’re wearing your aligners, as it won’t damage them while also alleviating the dry mouth associated with being sick.
3. Be Prepared
In addition to having all the necessary Invisalign and oral care accessories (dental wax, floss picks, storage cases, etc.), you should stock up on things like hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, lip balm, and even lotion. Cold winds, hot forced air, and the hard plastic of your aligners can all be very harsh on your mouth. Having items ready that will cleanse bacteria and counter discomfort can ensure you don’t get sick, but instead stay nice and cozy!
4. Keep Your Spaces and Your Stuff Clean
It’s important that all your work and personal spaces are kept clean and sanitary throughout the season. Even though they’re “your” spaces, they can still contain germs and bacteria that will make you sick! In addition to keeping them clean, consider stocking them with some of the aforementioned supplies, including an extra case for your trays.
Also ensure that your personal items are regularly sanitized. A dirty toothbrush won’t do you any good, nor will anything else that’s riddled with germs! Since your Invisalign trays will be in direct contact with your hands, which in turn are in direct contact with everything you own, keeping your stuff clean will go a very long way towards preventing you from getting sick or compromising your treatment.
This flu season, be sure to take the necessary steps to ensure that you and your Invisalign trays are well-protected. By following these tips, you’re setting yourself up for both a successful treatment and a clean bill of health.
About the Practice
Our talented team here at Salmon Brook Dental is happy to assist patients and families in the Granby area with achieving their smile goals! We are led by Dr. Kenneth Endres and Dr. Gunveen Chawla, both of whom have several years of experience in various fields including preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. We offer a wide range of available services including Invisalign! To schedule a visit, please reach out online or by phone: (860) 653-4551.