How can you prevent cavities wearing invisalign or a bite splint, i hear a lot of people develop cavities with both of these products?

Hygiene: Since the devices hold saliva with bacteria against your teeth, your hygiene needs to be immaculate, which it should be anyway.

Good hygiene + more: I have had very few patients develop cavities with bite splints and invisalign. It all relates to how diligent a person is in their everyday dental hygiene habits. I may prescribe a Fluoride gel to be placed in the invisalign tray or bite splint at night if they are at a higher risk for decay. However, most people who take good care of their teeth have a low risk of cavities as you mention.

Diet and Prevention: Oral hygiene does not prevent cavities--it controls gum disease. Caries, the disease that results in cavities is a chemical event caused by the acid dissolution of your calicified tooth structure. If you have reflux, unclean teeth, a diet high in sugar/acid or poor saliva quality from medications, you need to eliminate excess sugar from diet, use fluorides and floss and brush thoroughly and daily.

Not so much: Cavities are caused by accumulated bacterial plaque and acids (like soft drinks). Great oral hygiene and regular dental visits are the best methods to reduce chance of cavities - with our without plastic trays on teeth. In other words, keeping your teeth and invisalign squeaky clean are key. Ask your orthodontist about best methods.

Easy: I have my patients place a small amount 3 pea size dabs of fluoridex 1.1% sodium Fluoride into the aligner or bite splint after brushing and flossing every night. This strengthens the enamel especially between teeth where most cavities start. Wipe off excess with your finger.

Flouride: I have not had any patients develop cavities with invisalign. If you are prone to cavities, you can use the aligners as a flouride tray. Keeping your teeth brushed and flossed, with our without orthodontics is very important.

Hygiene: there is no reason why you should get more cavities while being treated if you continue to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment