Although face masks have prevented the spread of the Corona Virus, it has caused some problems from wearing one for too long. The Mask Mouth, a series of symptoms and side effects from wearing a face book for a long period of time.
Root Causes of Mask Mouth:
Disrupted Breathing Patterns- wearing a mask cause people to breath out of their mouth rather than their nose and therefore reduces the amount of saliva in your mouth.
Dehydration: increases risks of tooth decay and bad breath
Recycling Air – more carbon dioxide is trapped from wearing a mask, increasing the acidity of microbiomes , putting you at risk of inflammatory conditions and infections.
Symptoms for Mask Mouth:
Dry mouth
Bad Breath
Bleeding Gums
How to prevent Mask Mouth:
Focus on your oral healthcare routine: brush at least twice a day and use instruments such as dental floss
Freshen up between cleanings: better to use mouth wash or gums to freshen up your breath in between cleanings
Stay hydrated: cannot stress enough on the importance on staying hydrated through out the day to fight mask mouth
Use a clean mask: this is obvious because it prevents bacteria growth
Visit a Dentist: last but not least you can always contact a professional to tackle mask mouth and ask for professional advice.
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Source: Colgate