In the United States, dentists report an upsurge in patients complaining of bad mouth odor in recent weeks. The reason ? Wearing a mask. In reality, the problem is more complicated than it seems.
While wearing a mask is increasingly compulsory in France, the HuffingtonPost reported a news that can make you smile in an article of August 21, 2020. In the United States, dentists report a significant increase in the number of patients complaining of a bad mouth odor . However, the problem would not be caused by the mask itself.
In reality, wearing the mask for a long time generates dryness in the mouth. However, the bad smell associated with wearing a mask seems to mainly concern people who tend to breathe through their mouths. However, the difficulty drinking water and hydrating your mouth also plays a big role. In addition, the problem would be more present in the case of masks tightly fitted around the nose for several hours.
US dentists also mentioned another related issue wearing a mask. According to them, the risk of cavities is greater. Here again, the dryness is in question since saliva has antifungal properties and can kill certain bacteria that cause cavities . In its absence, cavities are more likely to develop.
Remember, however, that the links between wearing a mask and bad mouth odor and cavities have not yet been the subject of any scientific study. . This could come but in the meantime, these links still seem logical. Thus, these oral problems would be added to the long list of ailments resulting from the coronavirus.
You should know that there are several ways to fight bad breath. Without abandoning the wearing of the mask, it is incumbent to drink plenty of water as soon as possible. This allows the food particles present in the teeth, gums, etc. to be evacuated. In addition, brushing your teeth is more essential than ever at home and possibly the use of dental floss.
We should also mention that chewing gum – without abusing it – can help stimulate saliva production. It is also recommended to clean your mask at 60°C after each use. Finally, let your mouth breathe without a mask (if possible) can be beneficial if you strive to respect barrier gestures.
