Dentists all over the world have noticed that many people have been suffering from bad breath related to ‘mask mouth.’
Marc Scalafani – a dentist – said the stinky syndrome triggered by face coverings while wearing a mask increases dryness of the mouth, and a buildup of bad bacteria.
Thus, Dr. Scalafani emphasized the need to drink more water – to avoid dehydration while wearing masks during this pandemic period.
“We are seeing inflammation in people’s gums that have been healthy forever, and cavities in people who have never had them before,” said another dentist, Rob Ramondi.
Half of their patients have been affected by this, and because of this we decided to name it ‘mask mouth’ after ‘meth mouth,’ Dr. Ramondi explained. He said that the term ‘meth mouth’ is widely used by dentists to describe the dental problems that arise among methamphetamine users.
Addicts often end up with cracked, black- and brown- stained teeth because the stimulant causes sugar cravings, teeth grinding and jaw clenching. They also often neglect their oral hygiene, the dentist said.
People tend to breathe through their mouth instead of through their nose while wearing a mask, Sclafani said.
“The mouth breathing is causing the dry mouth, which leads to a decrease in saliva, and saliva is what fights the bacteria and cleanses your teeth,” Sclafani noted.
Dr. Sclafani added that saliva is also what neutralizes acid in the mouth and helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
The tendency of people who drink less water while masked up – as well as consume more coffee and alcohol during lockdown – have also added to the widespread dehydration, the expert noticed.
In addition, medical practitioner Daliah Wachs said it is just not something we were expecting to see with a lot of mask wear.
“As we are wearing the mask, rather than breathing through our nose, we are breathing through our mouth. Lack of humidity in the mouth causes dry mouth, and less saliva is produced,” the physician noted.
Doctors encourage continued mask use, and say the key to avoid any bacteria build up is to consistently hydrate yourself.
“Just because we are wearing a mask, and we are not chewing gum and not worried about people smelling bad breath, it does not mean we are not having bad breath. You still have to concentrate on oral hygiene,” Wachs said.
Doctors are also encouraging patients to continue with regular appointments with their dentists as offices reopens.
To fight bad breath, tooth decay, gum inflammation and other sources of infection related to ‘mask mouth’:
* Drink lots of water to keep you totally hydrated
* Cut down on caffeine
* Use a humidifier to help moisten the air
* Use an alcohol-free mouthwash
* Brush your tongue regularly as part of good oral hygiene,
* Always replace your surgical mask with a new one, which is only good for a day while a cloth mask should be washed everyday
* Do not use a face mask while you’re inside your own car; instead; let some fresh air in to avoid other related mask-induced problems like yeast infection.
Ana Williams is the health columnist for The Graham Star.