Top 6 Ways to Combat Dry Mouth with Clear Aligners

Struggling with dry mouth while wearing clear aligners? Here are six simple, effective ways to stay comfortable and protect your oral health:

• Drink more water: Stay hydrated by drinking at least 64 ounces daily and avoid dehydrating drinks like coffee and alcohol.
• Use xylitol mints: Products like Movemints can boost saliva production and are aligner-friendly.
• Clean your mouth and aligners: Brush, floss, and use alcohol-free mouthwash daily; clean aligners properly to prevent irritation.
• Run a humidifier at night: Add moisture to the air while you sleep to ease dryness.
• Avoid drying foods and drinks: Cut back on salty snacks, caffeine, and alcohol; opt for water-rich foods and herbal teas.
• Try artificial saliva products: Use sprays, gels, or dissolving discs like Biotène or XyliMelts for quick relief.

These tips can help you manage dry mouth and make your aligner journey more comfortable. If symptoms persist, consult your orthodontist for tailored advice.

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1. Drink More Water

Keeping yourself hydrated plays a big role in managing dry mouth when using clear aligners. Since aligners can impact saliva production ^[1], drinking enough water is key for both your comfort and oral health.

Try to drink at least 64 ounces of water daily (about eight 8-ounce glasses) ^[2]. Adjust this amount depending on your activity level and the climate you’re in. Carry a reusable water bottle to make it easier and focus on drinking water after meals, before bed, and throughout the day. Always take out your aligners before drinking anything other than plain water to avoid stains or damage.

If you’ve had dehydrating drinks like coffee or alcohol, rinse your mouth and drink extra water to balance things out ^[3]. This small habit can make wearing aligners much more comfortable. Staying hydrated not only eases dry mouth but also helps maintain good oral hygiene, making the whole aligner process smoother ^[2][1].

For extra relief, products like xylitol mints can help with dry mouth symptoms - more on that in the next section.

2. Use Movemints or Other Xylitol Mints

Managing dry mouth while wearing clear aligners can be easier with xylitol-based mints like Movemints. These mints are designed to boost saliva production naturally, without harming your aligners or oral health ^[4].

Movemints were created by an orthodontist specifically for aligner users. They are sugar-free, vegan, and non-GMO, making them a safe option for daily use. Plus, they contain xylitol - a natural sweetener known for supporting oral health.

Here’s how you can use them for relief:

• During the day: Use 1-2 mints whenever needed. They provide relief for about 1-3 hours.
• At night: Place two mints (one on each side of your mouth) for relief lasting 4-6 hours ^[4].

These mints don’t just help with dry mouth - they also support oral health by reducing the risk of tooth decay ^[1]. Movemints are aligner-friendly, thanks to their patented grooves, and come in flavors like Spearmint and Mint Chocolate, offering both practicality and great taste.

3. Clean Your Mouth and Aligners

Keeping your mouth and aligners clean is crucial for reducing dry mouth and staying comfortable while using clear aligners. A clean environment supports natural saliva flow and minimizes dryness caused by bacteria.

Daily Cleaning Tips:

• Brush your teeth, tongue, and the roof of your mouth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss every day to remove trapped food particles.
• Use an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid drying out your mouth further.
• Clean your aligners every time you take them out.
• Store aligners in an airtight case to keep bacteria at bay.

How to Clean Aligners Properly:

• Use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals mixed with lukewarm water.
• Try a solution made of equal parts vinegar and warm water.
• Opt for a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution.
• For daily cleaning, use gentle soap with a soft-bristled brush.

Things to Avoid: Hot water, abrasive toothpaste, and harsh chemicals can damage your aligners. Also, steer clear of colored mouthwash, as it may stain your aligners ^[1].

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4. Run a Humidifier at Night

If you're dealing with dry mouth while wearing clear aligners, a humidifier can make a noticeable difference - especially at night. By adding moisture to the air in your bedroom, it helps combat the dryness caused by aligners, offering relief that drinking water alone might not fully achieve.

Why It Helps
Wearing aligners often leads to less saliva production, which can make your mouth feel uncomfortably dry. Running a humidifier at night keeps the air moist, helping to maintain hydration in your mouth. It can also ease discomfort from nighttime mouth breathing, leading to a more restful sleep.

Choosing and Using a Humidifier
For the best experience, go for a quiet humidifier that's easy to clean and has adjustable settings. Place it 3-6 feet away from your bed and aim for a humidity level between 30-50%. Look for features like auto-shutoff for added convenience and safety.

Keeping It Clean
To ensure your humidifier works well and stays safe to use:

• Clean it every 1-3 days to prevent mold or bacteria buildup.
• Use distilled water to avoid mineral deposits.
• Replace filters as recommended by the manufacturer.

Pairing a humidifier with good hydration and oral care habits can help keep dry mouth in check. While it works wonders overnight, remember that what you eat and drink during the day also plays a big role in managing dryness.

5. Cut Back on Foods and Drinks That Dry Your Mouth

If you wear aligners, paying attention to what you eat and drink can make a big difference in managing dry mouth and improving your overall experience. Some foods and beverages can make dryness worse, but small changes can help.

What to Avoid

Drinks like coffee, tea, energy drinks, and alcohol can reduce saliva production, leaving your mouth feeling even drier. Salty snacks such as chips, crackers, and pretzels can also soak up moisture, making the problem worse.

Better Options

• Plain water or water with a touch of cucumber or lemon
• Herbal teas without caffeine
• Foods with high water content, like watermelon, strawberries, and cucumbers
• Fresh veggies and unsalted nuts

"While it is acceptable to drink these beverages once in a while, dentists recommend limiting consumption and always rinsing with water afterward." - Dentistry on Park, LLC

If You Consume Drying Foods or Drinks

Take out your aligners before eating or drinking these items. Afterward, rinse your mouth well and wait about 15–30 minutes before putting your aligners back in. This keeps your mouth comfortable and ensures your aligners fit properly, all while protecting your oral health ^[1][2].

Adjusting your diet is a great start, but you may also need extra ways to keep your mouth comfortable and hydrated.

6. Apply Artificial Saliva Products

Artificial saliva products are designed to mimic natural saliva, providing moisture and easing dry mouth discomfort while wearing aligners.

Types of Products and How to Use Them

Sprays

• Biotène Spray: Offers moisture for up to 4 hours and works well with aligners.
• Oasis Spray: Delivers quick relief and can be used multiple times a day.
• TheraBreath: Alcohol-free, making it safe for frequent application.

Gels

• Biotène Oralbalance: Keeps your mouth hydrated for up to 4 hours.
• Allday Gel: Sticks to gums for long-lasting relief.

Dissolving Discs

• XyliMelts: These discs slowly release moisture and xylitol, making them perfect for nighttime use.

How to Use Them with Aligners

• Sprays: Spray directly into your mouth without removing aligners.
• Gels: Take out your aligners, apply a small amount of gel, wait a minute or two, then put the aligners back in.
• Dissolving Discs: Place a disc on your gums before reinserting aligners.

Choosing the Right Product

When picking an artificial saliva product, look for ones that are:

• Free of sugar and alcohol
• Contain xylitol
• Non-acidic to protect your teeth and aligners ^[2]

"This artificial substitute isn't a perfect match for the saliva your body makes, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), but it does help temporarily relieve dry mouth symptoms" ^[1].

When hydration and diet changes aren't enough, these products can offer quick, targeted relief. They work well alongside other dry mouth remedies, ensuring better oral comfort during aligner treatment.

Conclusion

Managing dry mouth during aligner treatment is key to staying comfortable and maintaining good oral health. Here's a quick rundown of practical tips to help you along the way:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Use xylitol-based products: Options like Movemints can help combat dryness.
• Run a humidifier at night: This adds moisture to the air while you sleep.
• Keep aligners clean: Proper cleaning helps prevent irritation.
• Avoid drying foods and drinks: Steer clear of items that can worsen dryness.
• Try artificial saliva: These products can offer quick relief when needed.

If dry mouth continues to be an issue, reach out to your orthodontist. They can offer tailored advice to keep your treatment on track and as comfortable as possible. With these steps, you'll be better equipped to handle dry mouth and focus on your aligner journey.

FAQs

How do I stop my mouth from drying with Invisalign?

Dealing with dry mouth while using Invisalign? These tips can help you stay comfortable:

Stay hydrated. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water daily to promote saliva production and keep your mouth moist ^[2][3].

Try aligner-friendly products that can make a difference:

• Movemints: Sugar-free mints made with xylitol that help keep aligners in place. Use them throughout the day as needed.
• Biotène Spray: Offers quick relief - apply 3-4 times a day.
• XyliMelts: Great for nighttime use, providing long-lasting moisture.
• Alcohol-free mouthwash: Gentle on your mouth and helps maintain hydration after cleaning your aligners.

Use a humidifier at night to add moisture to the air while you sleep ^[2][1].

Avoid drinks that can worsen dryness, including:

• Coffee and other caffeinated beverages
• Alcohol
• Soda
• Acidic drinks

If your dry mouth continues despite trying these methods, consult your orthodontist for personalized advice. These strategies can help you manage dryness and stay on track with your Invisalign treatment.