Once the temperature drops, cold and flu season is never far behind. Cue the runny nose, sinus pressure, and annoying cough. Typically, when these symptoms arise, you can lay back and focus solely on recovering. When you’re in the middle of orthodontic treatment, however, it’s important not to fall off-track. With this in mind, here are some tips for surviving cold and flu season with Invisalign!
#1. Keep Your Hands Clean
Naturally, keeping your hands clean is important year-round. However, it’s especially crucial while you’re sick, especially since you’ll be putting your hands in your mouth to take your aligners in and out. So, make sure to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and clean water for a full 20 seconds periodically throughout the day. You can also purchase a tool designed to remove your aligners, like an OrthoKey, to prevent the transmission of germs.
#2. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is extremely important for staying hydrated and ridding your body of toxins. Plus, there is the added bonus that it’s the only beverage you can drink with your aligners in, preventing you from having to put them in and take them out repeatedly. So, while you may be tempted to reach for sugary drinks, like soda, do your oral and overall health a favor by sticking to H2O.
#3. Don’t Skip Your Oral Hygiene Regimen
When you’re feeling run down and tired, it’s easy to talk yourself out of getting up to complete your oral hygiene regimen. However, many sick-day essentials, like cough syrup, are filled with sugar, increasing your chances of developing tooth decay. Therefore, you should brush your teeth (and your aligners) after each meal. It may seem like a nuisance at the time, but it will play a vital role in keeping your teeth cavity-free.
#4. Keep the Right Tools Close
Whether you’re dealing with a common cold or a persistent flu, there are several essentials you should keep nearby for a smooth and comfortable recovery. A few have been mentioned already, like a big bottle filled with water. Some other staples include lip balm, hand sanitizer, and dental wax.
#5. Stick to Well-Balanced, Nutrient-Dense Meals
Sweet ice cream, salty chips, and fizzy sodas may all sound delicious while you’re sick, but it’s ultimately best to stick to nutrient-dense foods, like leafy greens, lean proteins, and fresh fruit. Not only will these items give your body the vitamins and energy it needs, but they also will help keep your teeth healthy from the inside out.
Cold and flu season may have thrown a wrench in your plans, but it doesn’t have to derail your orthodontic treatment. Just keep the above tips in mind to keep your teeth happy and healthy as you recover!
About the Practice
Leading our team at Willow Bend Orthodontics is Dr. Tamara L. Jones, a top-rated and highly-recognized orthodontist in Plano. With our exceptional team at her side, she’s proud to help nearby individuals and families achieve straight teeth and beautiful smiles. If you want to learn more about life with Invisalign or would simply like to schedule an initial consultation, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (972) 732-1400.