The cooler weather brings cozy nights by the fire, beautiful fall foliage, and all the holiday festivities. However, it also means cold and flu season is here. Fortunately, there are a few best practices you can follow if you have clear braces to keep you healthy this time of year. Read on to learn what they are!
#1. Be Mindful of Your Hands
Did you know that the palms of your hands can hold up to 5 million bacteria at any given time? Yikes! To prevent the germs from entering your mouth when you remove your clear braces or pop them back in, it is crucial that you keep your hands as clean as possible. So, make sure to wash your hands every time you blow your nose, cough, return home, and use the restroom. When soap and water aren’t available, like while you are driving, opt for hand sanitizer.
#2. Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is crucial, especially during cold and flu season. Not only does a stuffed-up nose lead to dry mouth, but other symptoms, like vomiting, rid your body of liquid. Therefore, always keep a bottle of water within arm’s reach and drink at least eight cups a day. Other beverages, like tea and orange juice, are also a good choice, but water is the only one you can drink with your aligners in.
#3. Clean and Sanitize Your Clear Braces
One of the reasons patients love their clear braces is because they are entirely removable. However, this feature also comes with new responsibilities, like not losing them or letting them become a breeding ground for bacteria. With this in mind, make sure to rinse them when taking them out of your mouth and again before putting them back in. Additionally, brush them daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove plaque, food particles, and debris.
#4. Keep the Bad Stuff Off Your Teeth
From cough drops to fizzy drinks, many sick-day staples can wreak havoc on your teeth, especially if you aren’t keeping up with your oral hygiene routine morning and night. Therefore, stick to sugar-free options when possible and be diligent about brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day.
With the end of the year practically upon us, there is no time like the present to be diligent about keeping your teeth and your surroundings clean. That way, you can enjoy all this season has to offer without worrying about catching a cold!
About the Author
Since graduating with honors from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Dentistry, Dr. Christine D. Laster has spent the last two full decades helping patients of all ages achieve pristine oral health and jaw-dropping smiles. She is proud to work alongside her esteemed husband, who was winning awards in orthodontics before he even graduated, to help those looking to straighten their teeth with Laster Perfect Smiles™ Clear Aligners. To learn more, visit her website or give her a call at 919-787-0355.