For many, the practice of wearing face masks has become a way of life since there are still some health concerns and increased awareness about hygiene. Even though masks protect us from possible diseases, they also cause some oral and dental issues that we never thought could arise. Let’s look at some of the possible oral and dental challenges and how to go around them while you continue to keep safe and healthy.
1. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
One of the most common problems that most mask-wearers face is dry mouth. We tend to breathe more through our mouths when we wear a mask. This leads to decreased saliva production, which causes discomfort and makes the mouth feel dry. Saliva helps in maintaining the moistness of the mouth, removing food particles, and protecting the teeth from cavities. If there is an insufficient amount of saliva, you may find that you will suffer more from bad breath, gum irritation, and even potentially decayed teeth over time.
What to Do: Hydrate all day long. Drink a lot of water throughout the day and chew sugar-free gum. It’s also good to stay away from dry salty foods which tend to cause dehydration.
2. Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Another effect of wearing masks includes awful breath. At times, breathing out when your mask is held for a period traps the breathing inside, leaving you with such an awful smell. For those with dry mouth, the mouth has even less moisture to neutralize the odor.
What to Do: Maintain good oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to get rid of all the food debris that can lead to odor. You can also use mouthwash to freshen up your breath and reduce bacteria buildup.
3. Gum Irritation
Long time of wearing a mask causes friction on the skin of your face and gums. Edges of the mask may rub against your gums, and irritation or sores in your mouth can develop from this. It’s happens especially when you’re wearing a mask that fits snugly or has abrasive material.
What to Do: Wear a mask which has soft inner lining; must fit perfectly on your gum and face. When you are aware of having irritations around, remove the mask and give yourself a break for your comfort. When you feel irritated, you can try applying mouth gels for the soothing effect.
4. Increased Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Wearing a mask can sometimes make it easy to forget about oral hygiene during the day, especially when you’re busy and on the go. As a result, food particles and bacteria can build up on the teeth, leading to plaque and tartar formation. If plaque is left untreated, it can turn into tartar, which is much harder to remove and can cause gum disease.
What to Do: Stick to your regular brushing and flossing routine, and consider carrying some dental floss or interdental brushes for quick cleaning when you’re out and about. It’s also a good idea to use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid damaging the gums.
5. Mask Acne or Skin Irritation
While not necessarily a dental concern, wearing masks for extended periods can often cause some form of skin irritation around the face—acne or irritation—where the mask rubs. If it causes irritation along the chin or mouth, this can affect the health of the skin around the mouth, potentially causing discomfort or redness.
What to Do: To avoid skin irritation, wash your face regularly and keep the skin around your mouth clean. Look for masks that are made from breathable fabrics, such as cotton, which are gentler on the skin. Be sure to replace your mask regularly, as wearing a dirty mask can contribute to skin problems.
6. Tooth Sensitivity
A combination of constantly wearing masks, dry mouth, and breathing through your mouth can result in increased sensitivity to the tooth. Your teeth may become sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks. This can be due to the drying effects inside your mouth that expose more areas of the tooth to sensitive feelings.
What to Do: If you’re prone to tooth sensitivity, try using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. Avoid overly hot or cold drinks while wearing the mask, and try to breathe through your nose as much as possible to keep the mouth from getting too dry.
7. Increased Risk of Gum Disease
When bacteria and food particles collect in the mouth, it can cause gum disease, or gingivitis. The absence of saliva, coupled with the formation of plaque, provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. This may eventually result in swollen, red gums, bleeding, and bad breath.
What to Do: To prevent yourself from suffering from gum disease, brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly. In addition, focus more on your gum line because it mostly holds the majority of the plaque. You could also use mouthwash to get rid of germs and have healthy gums.
Final Words
While face masks are an important part of protecting ourselves and others, it is essential to be aware of the potential oral and dental issues that can arise from their use. Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, staying hydrated, and giving your mouth a break when possible can go a long way in preventing these problems. Keep your smile and health at the top by being proactive about oral care while wearing that mask. If you notice any serious dental issue, such as missing teeth or severe damage, search for “dental implants near me” to explore options for restoration.