Invisalign is a modern orthodontic method that allows patients to straighten their smiles without the frustrating dietary restrictions and irremovable metal parts that come with traditional braces. Unfortunately, it’s still possible to contract a cold or the flu while realigning your teeth. Here’s a brief guide to keeping your oral hygiene practices sanitary during cold and flu season so you can feel great and keep your Invisalign treatment on track.
Wash Thoroughly, Wash Often
The average person touches a lot of things with their hands as they go about their day, and this provides many opportunities for germ transmission. For example, if you touch a doorknob that three hundred other people have used in the past month before putting your Invisalign trays in, you may expose your oral environment to the germs that were on its surface. During cold and flu season, be especially careful about washing your hands often. Just remember to use warm water, as cold water can leave your hands with dry skin.
Antibacterial Wipes Are Your Friends
Whether at work or at home, do your best to keep the spaces you occupy free of grime and debris. Keyboards, desktops, kitchen counters, and handrails can all develop a fine residue of dust, debris, and skin oil that allows germs to easily move between people. To make matters worse, portable devices like cell phones and TV remotes can sometimes contain ten times as much bacteria as most toilet seats. It’s a great idea to use antibacterial wipes or other cleaning products to sanitize the surfaces you frequently touch.
Drink Plenty of Water
People may not drink as much water during cold and flu season because it isn’t as hot out, but staying hydrated is always crucial for your oral health. Water is essential to ensure that your body is able to maintain healthy saliva flow, which helps clean food debris from the mouth, control bacterial growth, and keep the teeth lubricated to prevent injury. Remembering to drink plenty of water during cold and flu season can help you keep your mouth clean, your immune system strong, and your orthodontic treatment on track.
Don’t let cold and flu season knock your Invisalign treatment off course. By taking care to protect yourself from germs and comply with your dentist’s instructions, you can stay on track to achieve your straightest smile as soon as possible.
About the Practice
Pasadena Family Dentistry offers the finest oral health services in town. Led by Drs. Kimber Holmes, Erica Revel, and Raymond Lowery, the staff treats each patient with genuine courtesy and outstanding customer service. The office provides general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign services. To learn more about keeping your Invisalign treatment on track during cold and flu season, contact the office online or dial (713) 946-5171.