There are few things more beneficial to our quality of life than a good night's sleep. Millions of Americans struggle to get a decent amount each night, and some have more trouble than others. There are a variety of factors that determine a person’s sleep quality, such as diet, stress, medication, and what their daily activities might be. Sleep Apnea, a common symptom of losing sleep, happens when a person's breathing is obstructed, and they have difficulty maintaining a consistent sleep pattern. If left untreated, this condition can lead to other health issues such as diabetes, stroke, depression, heart disease, and high blood pressure. While the causes of sleep apnea vary from one another, a recent medical survey found that oral health had a direct impact. 

Dental Issues That Might Indicate Sleep Apnea

There are a number of issues that you might be experiencing during the day that may be a direct result of sleep apnea. These include such matters as grinding teeth, a sudden or abnormal upswing in cavities, and frequent jaw pain and headaches. Some of these symptoms might occur if you have a shorter lower jaw and a narrow upper airway; it might even have to do with the particular shape of the roof of your mouth. 

Symptoms to Keep an Eye Out For 

While it takes a medical professional to diagnose sleep apnea properly, there might be recurring symptoms that you notice during the day that might be an indication of the condition. If you notice that you’re fatigued during the day or have a dry mouth or sore throat when you first wake up, these are usually indicative of sleep apnea. 

Other Causes That Can Lead to Sleep Apnea 

If you’re unsure of what might be the cause of your sleep apnea, there are certain behaviors that are linked to the condition. Sleep apnea can be caused by being overweight, and the position in which you sleep, and it can also be caused by excessive tobacco and alcohol use. A medical professional can assess your habits and help determine what the root cause may be. 

The Offices of Dr. Lattineli 

If you’ve been experiencing symptoms that might indicate sleep apnea, your oral health might be an underlying cause. For information on appointments and some of the other services we have to offer, give our offices a visit at drlattinelli.com.

Whether a newcomer or a traditional braces veteran, you don't necessarily need to forgo relishing your favorite drinks on your Invisalign journey. This is because it is usually possible to drink with Invisalign, but there is a lot you need to know. So, read on to discover insights from Dr. Lattineli into drinking with Invisalign aligners.

Can You Drink with Invisalign?

The journey to aligned teeth mandates donning clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily. However, one question most newbies ask is, can you drink with Invisalign? 

Unfortunately, no (and yes; any fluid that isn't water is unwise to drink with Invisalign. While certain fluids seem benign, they might impair trays and your overall dental health. But don’t fret, as there are ways to drink with Invisalign. 

Is There A Way You Can You Drink With Invisalign?

Safeguarding both trays and dental integrity during drinking poses difficulties, but mitigating these issues is possible by using the following:

Avoid Alcohol-Free and Alcoholic Beverages

No beverage gains a free pass (barring water) – most alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks have acidity and sugar. Therefore, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks pose the same risks to Invisalign and should be avoided. 

Uphold Tray Hygiene

If you are going to drink with your Invisalign, you need to uphold your Invisalign hygiene. This means that you need to remove and clean them (and the tray) after every meal as this will help to eliminate residue that breads oral bacteria. 

Practice Straw Sipping

You know you shouldn’t, but if you want to enjoy beverages like smoothies or milkshakes, you can use a straw to minimize contact between the liquid and your aligners. This reduces the chances of the liquid coming into direct contact with your aligners and potentially staining or damaging them. However, it's important to position the straw behind the aligners to avoid pushing them out of place. Essentially, if you drink with them, do so responsibly. 

Avoid Stain-Inducers

When wearing Invisalign, you should opt for clear sodas and light juices over teeth-tinting culprits like coffee, tea, and dark red wines, in addition to using a straw. Yet, be careful, as even lighter-colored fluids bear concealed sugars, fizz, and acids that could potentially harm or stain your Invisalign.

Drink Quickly To Avoid Exposure

With Invisalign, how quickly you consume a beverage matters. Quick sips curb aligner-fluid contact. Similarly, prolonged interaction spurs staining or accentuates acid's enamel impact. So, although it might be pleasant, learn how to drink quickly – but not too quickly so as to choke. 

Seek Professional Invisalign Counsel From Dr. Lattinelli

After reading this piece, you now know more about whether you can drink with Invisalign, as well as beneficial tips for drinking with it. As you can see, Invisalign poses many challenges surrounding what you can and cannot drink. Still, these dental devices have numerous benefits despite their difficulty when it comes to drinking. 

In our experience, those who choose Invisalign quickly become used to the challenges of drinking with them. Once you know how to do so, you’ll soon see that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. 

So, for those on or considering the Invisalign path, the journey begins by connecting with a local Invisalign provider with the knowledge and skill set necessary to assist you; one such provider is Dr. Lattinelli. Contact us here, and we’ll be in touch.