Now that you are wearing masks often, you might have noticed some changes. Your breath might smell different, but on our end we are starting to see an increase in cavities within patients who wear masks for a majority of their day. We stress the importance of wearing a mask at this time, so we have put together some tips to prevent cavities when you wear a mask.
How To Avoid Getting Mask Mouth
Try sealing your lips and breathing from your nose. Breathing from your mouth can decrease the production and secretion of saliva, which provides an important barrier from bacteria.- Make a conscious effort to drink plenty of water. Wearing a mask has resulted in an increase of dry mouth and dehydration. This is not only bad for your oral health, but for your overall health as well.
- Try chewing gum to promote saliva. Saliva can coat and protect your teeth and all the tissue that are inside your mouth. Without a large amount of saliva, we see rampant decay and gum disease occur.
- After eating, try flossing and brushing your teeth. This will help eliminate any excess bacteria that may have grown while your mask was on otherwise.
- The most important step is to visit your dentist for a routine cleaning and exam. Your dentist will be able to properly clean your teeth and remove any plaque build-up.
Try sealing your lips and breathing from your nose. Breathing from your mouth can decrease the production and secretion of saliva, which provides an important barrier from bacteria.Visit Your Dentist
Flatirons Family Dental wants to help you with any questions and concerns you may have. We are currently accepting new patients and following COVID guidelines to keep our staff and patients safe. Contact us today to make an appointment.