“Coughs, sneezes, and mucus, oh my!” – if this parody is running through your head on repeat, then it must be flu season. The colder weather tends to leave folks more vulnerable to icky sicknesses, making it more important than ever to protect yourself from germs and biohazards. Invisalign aligners can introduce harmful bacteria to less-than-careful patients, so read up on these care tips to help yourself avoid bothersome viruses!
Pay Attention to Your Hands
To be clear, Invisalign itself doesn’t turn your teeth into a germ magnet. But at some point, you’ll have to remove and reinsert your aligners. If your hands are dirty with contagions, those microscopic flu-causers can leap from your fingertips, to your trays, and straight into your mouth. Close the door on this unwanted introduction by washing your hands before touching your aligners.
Brush, Clean, and Keep It Pristine
You should always be concerned about your oral hygiene, as harmful bacteria can cause trouble in your mouth any time of year. When viral contagions are floating around in increased masses, it’s even more vital to clean them away with twice daily brushing. Don’t forget to clean your aligners, too, and try to maintain a pristine living space. Germ-free surfaces will reduce the odds of flu-causers getting transferred to your hands, trays, and toothbrush.
Boost Your Immune System
Your immune system will be working extra hard to fight off alignments, so why not give it a boost? Supplements like zinc are great for this, as are vitamins C and D. If the sun is hidden behind fall clouds, you can increase your vitamin D intake by eating more fish, egg yolks, and fortified milk. Lastly, be sure to get plenty of sleep and drink lots of water. These two essentials help your biology run smoothly, which your immune system will appreciate.
Fortify Your Teeth
It’s difficult to completely avoid introducing bacteria to your mouth – luckily, you can give your teeth a protective boost, too! Fluoride aids your natural enamel through a process known as remineralization. The science behind it is rather complicated; just know that fluoride strengthens this dental shield, helping with cavity and gum disease prevention. Make sure your toothpaste contains this beneficial substance!
Visit Your Dentist
Dentists recommend making regular checkup and cleaning appointments to stay on top of your oral health and general wellness. If you already visit your dental professional every six months, you might want to tweak your schedule to squeeze in an appointment before flu season really kicks off. Their preventative care services will make sure your teeth – and your Invisalign aligners – are in tip-top shape and ready to fight off coughs, sneezes, and mucus!
About the Practice
Huckabee Dental is well-known in the DFW area, which is something that our experienced and friendly dentists are proud of. Their meticulous care and patient-centered approach will help you feel comfortable and well-provided for. If flu season has you worried about your teeth and Invisalign aligners, our two Invisalign specialists would be happy to see you for a checkup and cleaning! To contact our office, call 817-329-4746.