This time of year is a time when germs and viruses are everywhere, making prevention and good hygiene habits even more important. With the right habits, you can reduce your risk of getting sick and keep your smile healthy all season long.
Unlike braces, aligners come in and out of your mouth several times a day, giving more opportunities for germs to transfer from your hands, surfaces, or even contaminated cases. That makes aligner hygiene and illness prevention especially important during this time of year.
Healthy Habits for Flu Season Success
Start with these practical tips to help prevent illness while keeping your teeth and gums healthy year-round during your aligner treatment.
- Wash Hands Before Handling: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before taking your aligners out or putting them back in. This small, simple habit drastically reduces the number of germs you bring into your mouth.
- Sanitize Aligner Case: Caring for your case is as important as caring for your aligners themselves. Wipe it down with a disinfectant regularly. Never put your aligners on a napkin or countertop; always store them in a clean case.
- Routine Aligner Cleaning: Clean your aligners morning and night with a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap or aligner cleanser.
- Don’t Share: Never share your aligner storage space, toothbrush, or cleaning tools with others, even family members. Germs can easily spread this way.
- Keep Your Mouth Clean: Make sure to brush and floss thoroughly. A clean mouth helps limit bacteria.
- Don’t Touch Your Face Unnecessarily: Aligners can prompt you to touch your mouth more than usual. Be mindful and always clean your hands first.
- Disinfect Surfaces: Frequently clean areas where you prepare or handle your aligners, like bathroom counters or desks.
- Hydrate with Water: Drink only water while wearing your aligners. Other drinks can harbor sugar and acid and increase your risk for both cavities and illness. But water washes away debris and helps keep your mouth and your aligners clean.
- Change Toothbrushes Regularly: Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or sooner if you’ve been sick, and keep your aligner cleaning brush up-to-date as well.
What to Do If You Get Sick
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may still catch a cold or the flu. If you’re feeling under the weather, taking care of both your aligners and your body is especially important.
Stick to Your Routine
One of the most important things you can do is to stick to your hygiene routine. It might feel tiring, but continuing to clean your aligners morning and night and to brush after every meal helps limit bacterial buildup.
Consider Your Medications
Many cold remedies like throat lozenges, cough syrups, and even some drinks, are loaded with sugar. Always remove your aligners before taking any medication or eating a cough drop. Afterward, rinse your mouth with water before putting your aligners back in. This prevents sugar and acids from getting trapped under your aligners, which could otherwise lead to cavities or enamel erosion.
Don’t Forget Your Toothbrush
Store family members’ toothbrushes without them touching. And change your toothbrush after you’ve been sick, even if it is new, to prevent reinfection.
Wear Aligners as Directed
Lastly, do not stop wearing your aligners while you are sick! Aligners should be worn for at least 20 hours per day so that treatment stays on course.
If you have any questions about your aligners during cold and flu season, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re here to help, no matter what the season brings!
