Do You Have Mask Mouth? Here's How To Treat It
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Do You Have Mask Mouth? Here's How To Treat It

Mask mouth is another health concern that has been created by the Coronavirus pandemic.

24
Do You Have Mask Mouth? Here's How To Treat It

Today, it's unlikely you'll be able to walk down the street without seeing someone wearing a mask. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic that has taken over, masks are now required when entering most stores or being in areas where it is impossible to be 6 feet away from other people. Made of materials like cotton or plastic, masks are the main source of protection people are relying on to protect them from the virus. Unfortunately, protecting themselves from one problem is resulting in other types of problems. From mask-ne to mask mouth, people are having to find new ways to deal with these new problems. Learn more about mask mouth and how to deal with it here.

What is Mask Mouth?

"Mask mouth" is a trendy term that highlights the effects of wearing a mask for long periods of time. According to Doctor Argona Giuseppe, "Having a cover over your mouth for a long period of time may cause various different oral issues, most of which can be prevented as long as you make sure you keep up with your usual dental routine." These oral issues can include decaying teeth, receding gum lines, and sour breath, caused by our normal dental habits such as flossing and drinking water being disrupted by wearing masks.

With masks, people tend to breathe through their mouth instead of their nose. This results in a decrease of saliva production, which is important for keeping the mouth healthy with its anti-fungal properties.

How to Prevent & Treat Mask Mouth

There are several steps that can be taken when it comes to maintaining and improving your dental health while following mask guidelines. To improve your dental health, you should:

  • Floss after each meal: Use strong floss to dislodge any unwanted food particles that could end up stuck between your teeth and cause bad breath.
  • Keep your mask clean: Stick to disposable masks or change your mask between outings to ensure you're not wearing masks that have old saliva on them.
  • Up your dental game: Upgrade your toothbrush to an electrical one, invest in a tongue scraper and get an alcohol-free mouthwash to get the cleanest mouth possible.
  • Drink plenty of water: Remember to take regular water breaks to help stimulate saliva production and flush out bacteria.
  • Get some fresh air: When away from other people, take a break from wearing your mask to allow air into your mouth to keep it clean and healthy.

While wearing masks has become part of everyday life, bad breath and poor dental health doesn't have to be. Keep up with your visits to your dentist, invest in a good toothbrush, and take care of your teeth to ensure a bright future.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

50770
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

32488
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

955710
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180754
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments