Now that cold and flu season in Allen is approaching, you are probably about ready to stock up on even more hand sanitizer, tissues, and disinfecting wipes. If you have Invisalign, the stress is even higher because removing your trays increases your risk of exposure to harmful bacteria that could make you sick. Even though you cannot completely avoid all germs and viruses, there are steps that you can take to reduce your risk. Continue reading for some tips for surviving cold and flu season tips with Invisalign.
Keep Your Hands Clean
Your hands are useful tools, but they can also expose you to all sorts of germs. It is important that you keep them clean throughout the day, especially when handing your aligners. Even if it doesn’t seem practical to wash your hands every single time you want to have a snack or meal, it is better than spending a week in bed with flu symptoms.
Keep Your Workspace Tidy
You may think that your desk or computer is clean because you are the only one using it. The truth is that the average desk contains up to 400 times more germs than a toilet seat. Gross! This really isn’t a place where you want to be placing you Invisalign trays. Remember to always keep your aligners in a case and disinfect your work area with disinfecting wipes or spray.
Clean Your Aligners
Even though you should always be doing this, keeping your aligners clean is especially crucial during cold and flu season. Before you put your aligners back in, you should clean your teeth and your trays. It’s also a good idea to run your Invisalign case through the dishwasher or thoroughly handwash it, as it is an area that can host germs and bacteria.
Stay Hydrated
Water is crucial for nearly every organ in your body. The cold, dry air in the winter can cause you to experience dry mouth. This is when you aren’t producing enough saliva to rinse away food debris and bacteria in the mouth. By staying hydrated, you can prevent this from happening and keep away that harmful bacteria that can make you sick, cause tooth decay, and contribute to bad breath.
By following these tips, you can protect yourself from the flu and colds even while you have Invisalign in Allen. Making these efforts can keep you healthy while you’re on a path towards a straighter smile.
About the Practice
At P. A. Dental Arts, you have not just one, but two highly skilled dentists providing quality care to patients in Allen, TX. Dr. Christina Blacher earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine at Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ and has completed advanced Invisalign training. Dr. Corbin Reed Alhadef earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Texas A&M/Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas. For more information on Invisalign or to schedule a consultation, visit their website or call (214) 383-5511.
