Preventing a Dry Mouth from Invisalign
Wondering how to treat dry mouth from Invisalign aligners? Thankfully, this problem can easily be fixed by understanding why Invisalign dry mouth occurs and taking action. If you wear Invisalign, you can prevent dry mouth by following a few easy tips from Sunrise Dental.
Why Does Invisalign Cause Dry Mouth?
You wear your Invisalign aligners all night and for most of the day. Because the aligners are made from medical-grade plastic, it takes some time for your mouth to get used to having them there all the time. At first, your gums may become slightly irritated when wearing your aligner. This can cause your mouth to lower its saliva production, resulting in dry mouth.
Five Ways to Avoid Invisalign Dry Mouth
While dry mouth may not seem like such a horrible condition, it’s important to remember that healthy saliva production is important for an overall healthy mouth. If saliva is not present, it is easier for food particles and bacteria to cling to your teeth and gums and cause gum disease, cavities, and other problems.
Tip #1: Stay Hydrated
The easiest way to avoid Invisalign dry mouth is to make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. Water stimulates saliva production and helps wash away bacteria and food particles when there’s not enough saliva in your mouth. Try to stick with water as much as possible, because sugary and alcoholic drinks make dry mouth worse.
Tip #2: Keep the Aligners Clean
If your Invisalign aligners are not kept clean, food particles and bacteria can cling to them and irritate your gums. This can make your dry mouth much worse! Follow the directions your dentist gives you to clean your aligners properly. And, in between cleanings, always rinse them when you take them out to eat, drink, brush, or floss.
Tip #3: Keep up with Your Dental Hygiene
Just because you’re wearing aligners doesn’t mean you can slack off on your oral care routine! Remember to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day to keep your mouth healthy. To ward off the bad breath caused by dry mouth, make sure to brush your tongue, too!
Tip #4: Try a Mouthwash, Spray, or Mint
There are a number of mouthwashes and mouth sprays on the market today to help alleviate the symptoms of dry mouth. You can also try Movemints—sugar-free mints developed by an orthodontist that help keep breath fresh and eliminate dry mouth for Invisalign wearers.
Tip #5: Use a Humidifier
If you find you wake up most mornings with a very dry mouth, it could be that the air in your home does not have enough moisture. A home humidifier adds more moisture to the air, helping to stimulate saliva production in your mouth.
Invisalign Fittings in Peoria, Arizona
We know that dry mouth can be a frustrating and troublesome complaint. When Invisalign wearers take the steps outlined above, their dry mouth improves and sometimes fully goes away. Don’t let dry mouth Invisalign keep you from wearing your aligners! If you’re experiencing any discomfort from your aligners, call Sunrise Dental today at 623-888-8792 for a check-up.
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