Bad breath, tooth decay, or inflammation inside the mouth such as the gum may be undesirable outcomes of wearing face masks throughout the day. If your face is covered for lengthy periods of time, it does not get fresh air, and it does not allow the bacteria to neutralize. Below are some key points one must consider for safety during this period of uncertainty.
- Change your toothbrush regularly.
- Choose the right antibacterial toothpaste.
- Floss twice a day.
- Brush twice a day for two minutes.
- Add mouthwash to your oral care routine.
- Hydration helps with preventing dry mouth.
- If in doubt, consult the experts.
Keeping your mouth clean and bacteria-free is a key reason for longevity. Oral care does not come easy and regular practice can only make it work. Cases of gum sensitivity, cavities, and building of plaque are becoming more and more common because the mouth is not getting the right exposure to air and sunlight.
Mask Mouth: What are its symptoms?
In this article, we are focusing on a condition that dentists are calling ‘Mask Mouth’. This has become evident only recently after the devastating effects of the pandemic. The indicators of mask mouth include, in general, the following:
- Bad or sour breath.
- Receding gums, or inflammation.
- Dryness of the mouth, several times a day.
- The decay of the tooth, cavities.
It has been found that mask wearers are complaining of this more than others. These symptoms are developing more rapidly for these individuals. Hence, we list the above practices for better oral well being. We shall focus on some in detail below.
1. Brushing Twice a Day
It is really useful because it helps keep the plaque build at bay. Bad breath and sour breath develop when the mouth is closed for lengthy periods of time due to face masks. So, give 2 to 3 minutes, twice a day, and brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with a light mouthwash to clean it up.
2. Mouthwash Is a Good Thing to Include in Your Routine
It helps fight bacteria buildup longer than the simple brushing activity. It also keeps the mouth fresh. It avoids bad odor buildup and even eliminates it. You can find medicinal mouthwashes at your nearest pharmacy but also many OTC products from Listerine, Colgate, etc. are equally useful.
Use a mild mouthwash, unless something specific is prescribed by your doctor, for your daily routine. You can every carry a mouthwash with you just like a sanitizer and rinse your mouth after your meals.
3. Hydration Is Essential to Prevent Dryness of the Mouth
So, drink fluids and water to keep the body hydrated throughout the day. It might seem a little tricky but drinking lots of water helps improve the flow of saliva and keeps the mouth moist.
Take free regular breaks and get some fresh air. When the flow of saliva is good, the dryness of the mouth doesn’t occur. Also, avoid drinking sugary drinks, aerated drinks, and beverages because drinks like cola, soda, can cause even more tooth decay. It can exaggerate the situation even more.
4. Use an Antibacterial Toothpaste and Brush
A good thing to include or switch to for better oral health is changing your brush and toothpaste. Many brands offer antibacterial toothbrushes and toothpaste which work better than regular products. Simply because they help in fighting bacteria buildup, avoid plaque, and cavities.
Bacteria can build up because of prolonged wearing of face masks, and changing your toothpaste and toothbrush is a good way to counter its effects.
5. Changing the Toothbrush Regularly Is Essential
Whenever you purchase a toothbrush, they indicate the number of uses, and stick to it. Because the bristles of a toothbrush are not organic and artificial, they can also harbor bacteria over time. So, there are germs on them, and you end up cleaning your mouth.
Another good point is going for antibacterial toothbrushes which are better in these cases. Because of this added benefit, you don’t have to worry about changing them weekly.
Photo by Lesly Juarez on Unsplash
6. Call a Doctor and Seek Help Whenever Uncertain
As the ‘Mask Mouth’ affects every individual differently and to different degrees, there is no single solution for all. Every individual is unique because their teeth are unique.
So, when experiencing problems like bad breath, odor, or any other severe problems like gum inflammation, consult your doctor. Do not rely on OTC for a long period of time and ignore the issue.
Look for nearby dentists depending on your location. The web makes it very easy. For example, if you live around Mt Gravatt go online and type in dentist in Mt Gravatt. Also, there are online facilities at your disposal as well, due to the pandemic situation where you can seek immediate help. It is always better to seek help quickly because the treatment can be easy.
The 6 Essential Oral Care tips that we list above are very useful in the long run. You should not ignore it if you are facing any issues, and it is always better to adopt a better oral healthcare routine on a daily basis than to wait for something bad to happen, and then treat it. That way you can keep your teeth strong, enjoy your favorite delicacies, and enjoy a better life. Even if your face is behind a face mask all round the clock.
Conclusion
If you can’t avoid wearing face masks and get a breath of fresh air regularly, then go for the above precautions and daily routines of oral health care. Dentists are seeing a rise in a condition called ‘Mask Mouth’ that leads to higher chances of developing tooth decay, bad odor, or even cavities. This arises because of wearing face masks for lengthy periods of time.
This is the most effective solution to reduce the amount of time spent, following the above 6 steps can also drastically help reduce any chances of developing a mask mouth. If you improve your oral hygiene, then you can avoid the symptoms and their effects.
