You’re committed to your smile transformation – through the ups and downs, in sickness and in health, right? After all, your beautiful end results will be worth the wait!
So what happens if you catch a bug or wake up feeling under the weather during treatment?
Your Russell Orthodontics team and DocAligners experts are here to answer FAQs about being sick with braces or Invisalign®, and give tips on how to handle your orthodontic commitments when you’re not feeling so great.
Should I brush my teeth when sick?
Yes, when you’re sick, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to removing daily plaque build-up and keeping your teeth clean and healthy.
You’re already keeping your braces or Invisalign aligners pretty clean and it’s important to continuing do so even when you’re not feeling your best. Cleaning them daily will prevent yellowing on your aligners and decalification (white spots on teeth) around your braces.
Tips:
- If you have Invisalign, be sure to disinfect your aligners once daily in a cleaning solution (like Retainer Brite or a homemade mix of equal parts white distilled vinegar and water).
- If you have braces, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean around your brackets and wires thoroughly after each meal. Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once daily to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
How should I clean my mouth after throwing up? While we know it’s tempting to brush your teeth after vomiting to get the taste out of your mouth, it’s helpful to wait 30 minutes before doing so. (After all, if you’ve caught a stomach bug, you may vomit multiple times over the next few hours). So take care to swish with water to help remove the taste and dilute any stomach acid reminants from your mouth (which can be particularly harsh on your enamel).
When should I change my toothbrush after being sick?
It’s important that you replace your current toothbrush with a fresh, clean toothbrush after you’re sick! The bacteria that caused your sickness can continue growing within toothbrush bristles and reintroduce the illness back into your body while your body is trying to heal.
Experts advise that you replace your toothbrush once you start feeling better, in order to “make sure lingering bacteria doesn’t lead to reinfection or get passed on to family members” (Cleveland Clinic).
Should I cancel my orthodontist appointment if I have a cold?
Yes. As a general rule of thumb, if you’re not feeling well and you have an in-person check-in with us, please give us a call to reschedule your appointment. We would rather you rest up and visit us when you’re feeling better!
Virtual care makes it a lot easier to manage your ortho treatment when sick!
We are your Invisalign provider in Athens, Grayson and Watkinsville, and we monitor your treatment progress virtually through the Dental Monitoring app!
That means you only come in for appointments when you absolutely need to. Dr. Russell and our team will be able to check in with you without you having to leave your home. Convenient virtual care can prevent you from having to miss your appointment altogether.
Stay hydrated!
Fluids are your friends! It’s crucial that you stay hydrated when sick. Hydration helps the body fight off infections and prevents dehydration, which, consequently, helps prevent symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and dizziness.
Staying hydrated is essential for healing from your illness, but also for maintaining clean teeth with Invisalign or braces. Proper hydration promotes saliva production, which helps prevent dry mouth and reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Drinking water also helps rid your teeth of food particles and debris that can otherwise contribute to bacteria buildup, plaque and tartar.
Tip: Try to keep a bottle of water with you at all times! Consider buying a new reusable water bottle or stylish tumbler in your favorite color. This may give you the motivation you need to keep sippin’ and stay hydrated.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
We’re on your team and we’re here to support you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions about your orthodontic treatment, or questions about how to handle your sickness with Invisalign or braces.
If you experience any “orthodontic emergencies”, simply reach out to us and let us know. We’ll tell you how to handle the situation at home while you’re sick, or work out a way for you to visit us safely.
Take it easy!
Remember, it’s okay to take it easy when you’re unwell. Your body needs time to recover, and regaining your health is the first priority. Take it as a chance to binge-watch your favorite shows, cuddle with your pet, and give yourself a break!
We hope these tips help you breeze through your treatment – through sickness and health. If you haven’t received your complimentary consultation with Dr. Russell yet, now’s the time!
Request a complimentary consultation with us at our orthodontist office in Athens or Grayson, or visit our DocAligners studio in Watkinsville!
*Complimentary orthodontic exam is available for new patients only.
