When the weather drops, pumpkins come out, seasonal drinks are released, and short-sleeved shirts are exchanged for warm, cozy jackets. However, the cooler temperatures also mean cold and flu season in Frisco is just around the corner. If you have Invisalign, then there are a few crucial steps you can take to help keep you healthy and recover quickly. Read on to learn what they are!
#1. Keep the Bad Stuff Off Your Teeth
From cough drops to hot teas, many at-home sick-day remedies consist of products that are easy on your stomach but harmful for your teeth. To prevent your Invisalign trays from staining or holding cavity-causing bacteria against your teeth, it is crucial to prioritize your oral hygiene routine. With that being said, make sure to brush twice a day, floss daily, and rinse your aligners frequently. It’s also a good idea to opt for sugar-free cough drops and syrups when possible!
#2. Be Mindful of Your Hands (& Surroundings)
Completely removable trays are incredibly convenient, but they can introduce your mouth to a multitude of germs. To keep yourself healthy or speed up your recovery, be especially mindful of your hands and surroundings. Practicing proper hand hygiene and keeping your area clean with sanitizing wipes is a great place to start!
#3. Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is crucial, especially when you’re sick. After all, everything from blowing your nose to running a fever puts you at risk for dehydration. Fortunately, consuming enough should be easy since you can sip on water without taking out your aligners. So, you can help your body recover without throwing your treatment plan off track.
#4. Always Brush Your Teeth Before Bed
Getting a good night’s sleep is of the utmost importance, but you must brush your teeth before getting back into bed! Otherwise, the food particles and bacteria have 7+ uninterrupted hours to wreak havoc on your oral health. Therefore, even when it is tempting to just stay under the covers, always brush your teeth before dozing off.
With cold and flu season just around the corner, there is no time like the present to prepare. Fortunately, you can use the above tips to stay healthy, recover quickly, and keep your treatment plan on track!
About the Author
After experiencing the powerful effects of orthodontic treatment for himself as a teenager, Dr. Bradley Buchwald decided to pursue his dental education at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. From there, he completed an orthodontic residency at Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry, and he is now a board-certified orthodontist. If you are interested in upgrading your smile with Invisalign in Frisco, don’t hesitate to visit his website or give him a call at 972-377-5940.