Invisalign is a popular dental treatment option for patients who are looking for an alternative to braces. While Invisalign is a great way to achieve straighter teeth, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects that can occur, such as dry mouth.
Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, can make it difficult to speak, swallow, and eat. It can also lead to bad breath and a decrease in the amount of saliva your body produces. Up to 30% of people may experience dry mouth at some time. If you are experiencing dry mouth while wearing Invisalign, there are things you can do to help combat it. Read on for more information.
What Causes Invisalign Dry Mouth?
The condition of having a dry mouth is brought on by a lack of saliva production. Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, drugs, certain meals, and even sleeping with your mouth open.
Invisalign trays are also known to cause dry mouth. Your mouth may initially see your plastic aligners as foreign objects, which causes gum inflammation and discomfort. As a result, your body generates less saliva leading to dryness in the mouth.
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How to Get Rid of Invisalign Dry Mouth and Bad Breath
Once you understand why you’re experiencing foul breath or dry mouth while using Invisalign, you can take steps to prevent it. Maintaining a healthy dental and aligner system is the key to a successful treatment.
Stay Hydrated
Maintaining a steady flow of saliva is the best approach to combat dry mouth caused by Invisalign. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water all day to keep your salivary glands working properly. Set a goal of exceeding the recommended daily intake of 15 cups for men and 11 cups for women, and you will be doing your mouth and body good.
Keep Aligner Clean
Keeping your aligners clean is the best advise we can give if foul breath is an issue for you. Never eat or drink anything but water while wearing aligners, and thoroughly clean your aligners with toothpaste and a toothbrush following each meal. Use lukewarm water since hot water can deform the plastic.
Brush Your Tongue
More than 700 kinds of bacterial species dwell in your mouth and every single one of them can be detected on your tongue. The best way to combat bad breath caused by Invisalign is to wash your teeth twice a day and pay special attention to the back of your mouth.
Papillae on your tongue are like sponges, creating an ideal habitat for germs to thrive. When bacteria multiply (even healthy bacteria), a terrible stench is released that is difficult to cover up. The majority of this bacterial accumulation will take place on the back of your tongue, so stifle your gag reflex and brush it.
Try a Mouthwash, Spray, or Mint
It’s possible to decrease the discomfort caused by dry mouth with the use of mouthwashes and sprays. If you have been brushing and flossing diligently but still have bad breath, consider adding a mouthwash to your dental hygiene routine. Fluoride-containing antibacterial or antimicrobial mouth rinses are your best bet. It will help eliminate odor-causing germs and prevent tooth decay and other oral health issues that can lead to bad breath. Twice daily, gargle it for approximately 60 seconds before spitting it out.
Avoid Tobacco and Caffeine
Remove caffeine and tobacco if you’re experiencing dry mouth or foul breath as a result of Invisalign treatment. This applies to all kinds of tobacco, such as cigarettes, hookah, and chewing tobacco. You should also avoid drinks that contain caffeine since they make dry mouth worse. The good news is that decaffeinated beverages don’t have the same side effects.
Consider Purchasing a Humidifier
In most cases, a humidifier can help alleviate dry mouth by increasing the amount of moisture in the air. It’s not only about keeping your mouth moist. Dry, itchy skin, sinus problems, dry coughs, and other ailments can all benefit from their use. An air humidifier could be a great addition to your room if you want to improve your health in numerous ways.
Consult with Kumra Orthodontics to learn more about Invisalign dry mouth
If you are experiencing dry mouth symptoms while wearing Invisalign, we encourage you to consult with Kumra Orthodontics. We have a number of solutions that can help improve your condition and make the treatment more comfortable for you. Our team is experienced in helping patients with Invisalign-related dry mouth, and we would be happy to discuss your individual situation with you. Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment!
