When flu season hits Greensboro, it’s important for families with braces or aligners to take a few extra precautions to keep their smiles healthy. Whether your child is home sick with the flu or just trying to avoid it altogether, good oral hygiene plays a key role in staying healthy, especially during orthodontic treatment.
At Robert Stoner Orthodontics, we want to help you keep your family’s smiles on track all year long. Here are some practical tips for protecting your oral health, and your orthodontic progress, during flu season.
1. Prioritize Handwashing & Clean Aligners
We all know that washing your hands is one of the best ways to prevent the flu, but it’s especially important for Invisalign patients. If your teen wears aligners, they’re constantly putting them in and taking them out, often touching their mouth in the process. Make sure hands are washed thoroughly with soap and water before handling aligners to reduce the risk of spreading germs.
Pro Tip: Keep a travel-sized hand sanitizer in backpacks, purses, or sports bags for on-the-go cleanups.
2. Swap Out That Toothbrush After Illness
If someone in your family comes down with the flu (or any illness), replace their toothbrush once they start feeling better. Bacteria and viruses can linger on bristles, and the last thing you want is a reinfection.
For braces wearers: If your child uses a proxy brush or interdental cleaner, swap those out too!
3. Stay Hydrated to Keep Your Mouth Healthy
When you’re sick, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water. But staying hydrated is essential for oral health, it helps wash away bacteria, keeps your mouth moist, and prevents dry mouth (which can increase cavity risk, especially with braces).
Encourage your family to sip water throughout the day, even if they don’t feel like eating much.
4. Be Mindful of Oral Hygiene (Even When You’re Sick)
It can be tempting to skip brushing and flossing when you’re feeling under the weather, but keeping up with oral hygiene is crucial during flu season. Germs, bacteria, and plaque can build up quickly, especially around braces and between teeth.
Encourage:
- Brushing at least twice a day.
- Flossing once a day (use a floss threader for braces!).
- Cleaning aligners regularly if your child is in Invisalign treatment.
5. Stick to Orthodontic-Friendly Comfort Foods
When someone in your family is sick, they may only want soft, comforting foods, and that’s perfectly fine! Luckily, many of the best foods for sore throats and flu symptoms are also braces-friendly.
Some orthodontic-friendly sick-day staples:
- Warm soup (avoid crunchy add-ins like croutons).
- Applesauce or yogurt.
- Smoothies (great for hydration and nutrition).
- Scrambled eggs.
- Mashed potatoes or oatmeal.
6. Keep Orthodontic Appointments When Possible
If your child has a mild cold but is still feeling up to it, they can likely still come to their scheduled orthodontic appointment. Just give our Greensboro office a quick call to let us know they’re not 100%, and we can take extra precautions during their visit.
However, if your child has a fever, flu symptoms, or is too sick to attend, we’re happy to reschedule, just let us know as soon as possible so we can adjust their care plan.
7. Communicate With Your Orthodontic Team
If illness causes your child to miss a day or two of wearing aligners or using elastics, don’t stress, but do let us know. Consistent communication helps us adjust their treatment plan if needed, ensuring they stay on track toward their perfect smile.
Supporting Healthy Smiles in Greensboro All Year Long
At Robert Stoner Orthodontics, we care about your family’s health, inside and outside the office. Whether your child has braces, Invisalign, or a retainer, a little extra care during flu season can go a long way in protecting both their smile and their overall wellness.
Have questions about orthodontic care during flu season? Give us a call, we’re here to help Greensboro families keep their smiles healthy all year long!