With over a year of mask wearing under your belt, you’ve probably become more aware of your breath. Have you noticed any changes? Perhaps your breath has started to smell differently?
The smell and acidity of your breath is due in large part to the state of health in the mouth, and bad breath is often the result of tooth decay. Dentists are noticing a disturbing trend amongst patients who find themselves wearing masks throughout a large portion of their day: “mask mouth” caused by an increase in cavities.
As we still promote the wearing of masks, and stress the importance of their protective benefits, we’re here to help you prevent mask mouth caused by cavities with these easy tips!
5 Easy Tips to Prevent Mask Mouth
- Stay diligent with your dental routine. Floss and brush regularly after eating to help maintain optimal oral health. Before putting your mask back on, hit the sink to remove any leftover food or bacteria that would otherwise continue to grow behind the scenes.
- Promote saliva production by chewing gum. Chewing gum helps increase the production of saliva which coats your teeth and mouth. This protective coating helps protect your teeth as well as the tissues in your mouth from disease and decay. Individuals who suffer from dry mouth often experience these issues.
- Breathe through your nose. When you seal your lips and breathe through your nose, you increase the amount of saliva you produce. By being aware of your breathing while behind a mask, you can help promote the production and secretion of this protective oral barrier.
- Stay hydrated. Dehydration and dry mouth are common symptoms of prolonged mask wearing. Dehydration is bad for your overall health, not just your dental health, so keep track of how much water you’re drinking to ensure that you stay hydrated.
- Visit your dentist for routine exams and cleanings. Brushing and flossing are important, of course, but you should schedule regular dental appointments as well. This will give your dentist the opportunity to properly remove any plaque build-up that may have occurred between cleanings.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Dentist
Here at South Springs Dental Group, we want to help. We are here to listen and address all of our patients’ questions and concerns. Our passionate team of dental professionals is dedicated and ready to assist. Schedule an appointment with us today to discuss your cavity concerns with one of our award-winning dentists!