The use of the mask as the main protection tool against COVID-19 is bringing multiple lifestyle changes that could indirectly impact our health. In these times when the mask is mandatory to avoid the transmission of the coronavirus, we spend a lot of time with it, in some cases affecting the skin around the mouth, the area that is kept covered, which canalso have animpact on the health of the mouth.
How does mask use affect oral health? While there is no direct link, some changes in oral hygiene habits are being observed that could have serious consequences.
Have you started noticing some changes in your mouth? It's time to act before it's too late.
Extra hygiene at COVID-19 -19
The General Council of Dentists of Spain has confirmed through a press release that the use of face masks does not affect oral health. Until now, there is no scientific evidence that relates such use to the most common oral pathologies in the population.
However, some people attribute bad breath, dry mouth and increased tartar buildup to the use of this protective element. In the words of Dr. Oscar Castro, president of the General Council of Dentists, the mask is not the cause of these problems that are coming to light these days.
Because of their use, some people are neglecting the health of their mouth, starting with neglecting their oral hygiene.
Wearing masks protects us against COVID-19, but it is necessary to continue taking care of other aspects of our oral health on a daily basis.
In fact, dental experts at the Official College of Dentistry in Madrid stress the importance of good oral hygiene against the coronavirus, as this is the main entry point for the virus into the body, concentrating mainly on the mouth, nose, throat and larynx.
To this end, they have published a poster with special oral hygiene advice COVID-19, aimed at alerting the population about the extra measures to protect against the virus.
How to do it from home
How can we protect ourselves against the coronavirus through dental hygiene? There are some very easy recommendations for anyone to implement.
Starting with a regular oral hygiene routine ,using a toothpaste with fluorideThe treatment is complemented by a correct interdental cleaning. Also, it is advisable to use a Mouthwash with cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) as a complement to keep the mouth clean, free of bacteria and viruses.
The toothbrush is for personal use, and should never be shared. In these times when extreme hygiene is necessary, it is advisable to keep it separate from the brushes of other members of the household, as well as to change the toothbrush more frequently.
What oral problems can the use of the mask cause?
Although the mask does not have a direct effect on the formation of bacterial plaque or other oral problems, there are some bacteria naturally found in the oral cavity that are activated in the absence of oxygen. Spending a lot of time with the mask on could be the trigger for the effect these bacteria have on oral health.
The lower exposure to air that the mask finds in the mouth, the accumulation of saliva and food debris, aggravated by neglect of oral health, could cause some problems that are already beginning to be detected in those who use it in their daily lives.
Halitosis
Bad breath is one of the first problems resulting from the use of the mask. Throughout the day, the mouth accumulates remains of food, tobacco, coffee and other elements that favour the development of bacteria, causing bad breath. Halitosis may be caused by a previously present health problem, which becomes more evident when the mouth is covered with the mask, or it may be caused by the bad smell that the mask retains over time.
The KIN FRESH line is designed to provide fresh, long-lasting breath, helping to eliminate bad odor and preserve the health of your mouth.
Don't forget that the mask should be changed every 4 to 6 hours of use, depending on the model, so that it remains effective and does not accumulate saliva or dirt. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for use.
Avoid the dry mouth is also a very practical measure to put an end to the problem of bad breath. Maintain a healthy mouth with daily care routines.
Discover our products for daily oral care
Tooth decay
The mask acts as a barrier for many people to end up neglecting oral hygiene. The frequency of cleaning the teeth should be increased to avoid the appearance of cavities, as well as other common oral diseases.
Along with oral hygiene and the use of appropriate accessories and products, check-ups by a dental professional are still vitally important to protect teeth and gums.
Recommendations
Take care of your health starting with correct oral hygiene through these recommendations from the Madrid College of Hygienists so that wearing the mask doesn't become a problem for your mouth:
- Follow proper oral hygiene every day.
- Pay special attention to cleaning your teeth at night before you go to bed.
- It combines tooth brushing with a fluoride paste, interdental brushes, dental floss and mouthwashes.
- Change your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months.
- Hydrate often, avoiding dry mouth.
- Follow a healthy, balanced diet.
- Avoid snacking between meals, and switch from sugary snacks to healthier ones.
- Change or wash your mask every day.
- Visit the dentist regularly to detect any dental health problems.
If you use the mask to protect yourself against COVID-19, don't forget to take care of the health of your mouth at the same time. In these times in which life habits have changed, it is time to adapt dental hygiene to continue taking care of ourselves in every way.
Discover our oral hygiene products with CPC
You may be interested in: Cetylpyridinium chloride as a tool against COVID-19
What to consider when choosing the best electric toothbrush?
How to relieve pain with newly placed braces?
How to keep your breath fresh?
