Dry mouth is a common side effect of wearing Invisalign clear aligners.
The plastic trays can irritate the soft tissues in the mouth, resulting in discomfort and a reduction in saliva production.
Fortunately, there are several effective ways to find quick relief from aligner-related dry mouth!
Using these strategies not only alleviates discomfort but also creates a better aligner experience.
Quick Relief: Hydration and Aligner Care for Dry Mouth
One of the easiest ways to combat dry mouth is to stay hydrated.
Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep the mouth hydrated. Swishing cool water around the mouth can provide instant comfort by boosting moisture.
Drink Water and Clean Your Aligners Regularly
Decreased saliva reduces the mouth's natural cleansing action, causing bacteria to grow.
So, in addition to hydrating, it's important to maintain good oral hygiene habits. This includes cleaning aligners to prevent the bacteria from accumulating.
Dry mouth can lead to:
- Bad breath
- Plaque buildup
- Gum disease
Use Aligner Cleaning Spray
We recommend drinking plenty of water every day and using a peroxide-free aligner cleaning product like Smilesaver Aligner Cleaner Spray.
Smilesaver Spray is an aligner cleaning spray that kills 99.9% of germs in just 60 seconds!
This spray provides a convenient way to manage aligner bacteria, odor, and bad taste—without needing to rinse.
Dietary Choices to Prevent Dry Mouth with Aligners
To prevent dry mouth while wearing aligners, be mindful of what you eat and drink.
It is best to limit consumption of sugary, acidic, and alcoholic beverages as well as caffeine, which can all cause dry mouth.
Instead, focus on foods that require extra chewing that can stimulate saliva production.
These include raw vegetables and fruits such as carrots, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, apples, and pears. Incorporating ginger into your diet might also be helpful. With some adjustments to your diet, you can prevent dry mouth.
Don't forget to remove your aligners before eating!
Movemints: The Sugar-Free Solution for Aligner Dry Mouth
Movemints are revolutionary sugar-free mints designed specifically for clear aligner users.
These aligner seating mints feature a patented contoured shape that fits perfectly between the top and bottom trays.
This unique shape allows you to comfortably seat aligners by gently biting down on them.
Movemints are sweetened with xylitol, a natural sugar substitute. This ingredient is highly favored by dentists for its ability to increase saliva and support good oral health.
The natural mint flavoring in Movemints is available in three options: Orange, Mint Chocolate, and Spearmint.
And, unlike plastic aligner chewies or regular mints, Movemints combat bacteria, fight dry mouth, and freshen your breath.
Hydration, dietary changes, and Movemints make a winning combo. With just a few lifestyle changes, you can banish dry mouth fast!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my aligners?
We recommend cleaning your aligners at least once a day. Ideally, cleaning them twice can help keep your clear aligners looking and smelling fresh for longer. Cleaning them will also prevent the buildup of bacteria. For a convenient way to clean, use SmileSaver, a peroxide-free, no-rinse spray.
Can sugar-free mints really help with aligner-related dry mouth?
Yes! Sugar-free mints like Movemints stimulate saliva production, instantly increasing saliva while offering additional benefits for oral health. Specifically designed to fit aligners, Movemints are infused with xylitol, a powerful ingredient known for preventing tooth decay and addressing dry mouth. Xylitol has antimicrobial properties that help control the growth of bacteria in the mouth, contributing to a healthier oral environment.
Are there any quick home remedies for instant dry mouth relief?
Some quick home remedies include sipping cool water, chewing xylitol-sweetened mints like Movemints, using an alcohol-free oral moisturizing spray, and snacking on crunchy raw fruits and vegetables high in water content for natural moisture. These remedies will kickstart saliva production and alleviate dry mouth temporarily.
