Cold and flu season has officially arrived! During these critical fall and winter months, it is important that you implement precautions to keep yourself healthy. Doing so can be especially important for Invisalign patients. Here are some tips to help you care for your clear aligners and reduce your risk of illness throughout the coming season:
Clean Your Hands Before Touching Your Aligners
Your hands touch some of the most germ-ridden places in your home and workplace, such as doorknobs and keyboards. The last thing you want is for those microbes to transfer to your aligners when you touch them. Therefore, you should make it your habit to thoroughly wash your hands just before taking your Invisalign trays in or out of your mouth.
Be sure to use soap and warm water, and rub your hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds. If you do not have quick access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer instead.
Do Not Place Your Aligners on Your Desk
You should remove your aligners whenever you eat a meal or attend to your oral hygiene. During these moments, you might be tempted to place your trays on the nearest flat surface, but that is not usually a wise idea. Research has found that the average desk contains 400times more germs than a typical toilet seat! Even if you frequently disinfect your desk, it would still be a good precaution to place your aligners in their own storage case whenever you are not using them.
Clean Your Aligners Thoroughly
If, despite your best efforts to ward off illness, you do contract a cold or flu, you should not stop your Invisalign treatment while you are sick and recovering. Once you are better, you should thoroughly clean your aligners to get rid of any viruses and bacteria that might be clinging to them. In addition to brushing them with mild soap and a soft brush, you can also soak them with Invisalign cleaning crystals for a deeper clean.
Stay Moisturized and Hydrated
Chilly air outside, combined with dry indoor heating, can make it easy for your lips to dry out and become chapped during winter weather. If you wear clear aligners, this might be especially problematic because they might trap saliva and prevent it from lubricating your lips. Lip balm can help with dry lips, but be sure to choose a colorless option so it does not stain your aligners. If the balm causes a film to form on your Invisalign, it should be easy to wipe off.
Additionally, keep in mind that you should drink plenty of water. This can help you stay hydrated, lower your risk of dry mouth, and support your recovery if you contract a cold or flu virus.
We are still at the beginning of cold and flu season! Now is the time to start thinking seriously about how you plan to protect yourself and your Invisalign aligners during this time.
Meet the Practice
At Blue Coast Dental Group in Torrance, CA, our team of dentists and specialists is proud to provide comprehensive services to our community, including Invisalign clear aligners. If you have questions about this treatment or how to help it succeed, we would be happy to speak with you. Contact our friendly staff at 310-424-3100.