Is Dry Mouth A Consequence of Invisalign?

Does invisalign make your mouth dry? Invisalign, like any other orthodontic treatment, can cause dry mouth under some circumstances. This is due to those clear aligners covering your teeth, entrapping saliva. The whole process, in turn, leads to an overall decrease in saliva production.

Saliva plays an essential role in keeping your mouth moist and healthy by washing away food debris and neutralizing harmful acids.

If you suffer from dry mouth while wearing Invisalign, do not worry about it! It is a common side effect, and you can do a few things for relief. The most basic option is to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated to kickstart saliva production.

Why Does Invisalign Cause Dry Mouth?

The main reason Invisalign can dry your mouth is that the aligners cover your teeth and create a barrier between your saliva and the air. This reduces the amount of moisture in your mouth, which can lead to dryness.

Additionally, since Invisalign aligners are meant to be worn for at least 20-22 hours a day, you may not be drinking or eating as often as you normally would. This can also contribute to a dry mouth.

Dealing with Dry Mouth Because of Invisalign

Once you are aware of the reason for your dry mouth, start preparing to combat it. Here are some tips to help you out.

Adequate Hydration

For continuous saliva production, you must keep up with the fluid requirement in your body. Stay hydrated, and drink plenty of water all day long so that salivary glands function continuously.

Clean Your Aligner

This tip will help with good salivary [production] and aid in combatting halitosis – bad breath. It is a good practice not to consume huge loads of food or drink beverages other than water while wearing aligners.

Make sure to clean your aligners with toothpaste and a toothbrush thoroughly after each meal. It is better to use lukewarm water instead of hot to avoid deforming plastic.

Clean Your Tongue

Your oral cavity is filled with good and bad bacteria. Around 700 species live in your mouth, and your tongue can detect every single one of them, resulting in bad breath.

The best practice to get rid of halitosis caused by Invisalign is to gently wash your teeth two times a day and pay special attention to the back of your mouth and tongue to remove the bacterial load.

Use Mouthwash or Mint For Breath

It is easy to decrease the pain because of dry mouth simply by using mouthwashes, mints, or sprays. If your issue is persistent even after brushing and flossing diligently, adding mouthwash to your dental hygiene regime might help.

Your best option is fluoride-containing antibacterial or antimicrobial mouth rinses. They positively get rid of odor-causing germs and prevent tooth decay: Swish, swirl, and spit.

Steer Clear Of Tobacco and Caffeine

It is a good practice to eliminate caffeine and tobacco if you’re experiencing dry mouth or foul breath because of wearing Invisalign. The term encompasses all products of tobacco, including hookah, cigarettes, and chewing tobacco.

Caffeine in beverages like tea and coffee produces the same effect. Therefore, try reducing their usage as well.

Install a Humidifier

Usually, a humidifier can help dry mouth since it increases moisture levels in the air. Dry air causes itchy skin, dry coughs, sinus problems, and other ailments.

Final Words

Professionals from Rio Dental can help fix you up with Invisalign in San Antonio at the most affordable prices. We are located at 2811 Hillcrest Dr, San Antonio, TX 78201, adjacent to Shell Pump. Call (210) 785-8526 to connect with us.