Are you noticing the smell of your breath more when wearing a mask?
The Ontario Dental Association has provided a list of tips to improve your breath to avoid ‘Mask Mouth’:
- Brush: Brushing your teeth at least twice a day will help keep your mouth clean and free of bacteria that leads to cavities and gum disease. Just make sure you wait 30 minutes after eating before you start brushing so there’s no damage to your enamel.
- Floss: With all the snacking going on these days, remember floss is boss! Flossing gets to places your toothbrush can’t reach and removes bacteria that can cause bad breath.
- Tongue: Depending on what you eat, your tongue can hold a lot of food residue so be sure to give it a good brush or scrape to help keep your breath fresh.
- Mouthwash: Swishing with a mouthwash before you put your mask on can help keep odours at bay, just make sure it’s alcohol-free so your mouth doesn’t get dried out.
- Water: Staying hydrated with flat water is the best way to keep your mouth moisturized and to neutralize any leftover acid and wash away debris from food and beverages. Some medications can also cause dry mouth which allows bacteria to multiply even faster. Ask your dentist about it.
- Alcohol, smoking, marijuana and vaping: Over-indulging in these habits can lead to dry mouth, inflammation, enamel damage, staining and even oral cancer. Try to cut back or quit, if you can.
The ODA President, Dr. Lesli Hapak, says in a statement that you will feel fresher under your mask if you follows these tips.
For up to date information on COVID-19 dental tips and what to expect at your next dental appointment, click here.
