https://orawellness.com/ wrote this.
The events of 2020 have led to a new development in oral health that merits consideration.
Tooth decay, gum disease, and dry mouth are becoming more common, according to dentists.
The media has dubbed this new problem “mask mouth” because of the increase, which is thought to be caused by long-term mask wearing habits.
The solutions will be the main topic of this paper.
The effects of wearing a mask on one’s dental health and ways to lower the dangers are explained by physiology. We may take steps to wear masks safely while preserving our oral health if we are aware of how they may damage our mouths.
What does “mask mouth” mean?
The repercussions of prolonged mask use on our dental health are known as “mask mouth,” which is a relatively recent phenomena in our worldwide society. The epidemic has forced the general populace to deal with the effects of long-term, regular mask wearing, including mask mouth.
Let’s start by examining the reasons of mask mouth. Next, we’ll examine ways to mitigate the hazards associated with wearing masks.
When we wear a mask, what happens to our teeth?
Did you know that dry mouth is a contributing factor to tooth decay?
Indeed, the amount of saliva greatly influences whether or not the bad guys linked to gum disease and tooth decay take control of the oral microbiome.
These problematic oral infections can multiply when salivary flow is reduced.
You may be less inclined to drink water during the day to keep hydrated and preserve the moisture necessary for a healthy mouth if you wear a mask.
Additionally, wearing a mask may cause you to breathe more frequently via your mouth rather than your nose.
Bad breath and even tooth misalignment over time are among the many additional systemic problems that habitual mouth breathing invites. This is because it keeps the tongue from resting properly against the roof of the mouth, which supports the alignment of the teeth.
Here is a summary of the problem as it stands right now.
- Wearing a mask may increase the likelihood of breathing via your mouth and decrease the frequency of water intake.
- Dry mouth and reduced saliva are the results of both of these.
- Thieves may multiply and take control of the oral microbiota when the mouth is dry.
- This change in the oral microbiota increases the risk of gum disease and tooth decay if the aforementioned behaviours are repeated.
What can we do to help ourselves if masks are required at the moment owing to the pandemic?
How may the dangers of mask mouth be reduced?
Fortunately, there are a number of steps that may be taken to assist in navigating this difficult circumstance.
Throughout the day, look for opportunities to securely take off your mask.
In other words, try to minimise the duration of time you spend inhaling via a mask. Why take the chance of prolonging the physiological down-regulation?
Consider how many people you see wearing masks and driving alone in automobiles the next time you’re out on the road. Lowering your mask and breathing freely (through your nose, of course!) is a smart way to give your body a rest when you’re driving alone.
2. Pay attention to how much water you drink and how you breathe.
Pay attention to your breathing if you must wear a mask for extended periods of time. You may remember yourself to breathe gently through your nose and to take pauses for water when it’s safe to do so by periodically practicing conscious awareness of your breathing.
Try setting a timer for every 15 to 30 minutes when you’re in a mask-heavy zone. In this manner, you may set your tiny timer to remind you to focus on taking five deep, steady breaths.
Even when you’re not wearing a mask, practise breathing through your nose and maintaining your tongue in the “home” position.
For us, this treasure is significant.
This method is really beneficial to the whole person. Restricting the discussion to this article, learning to keep your tongue in the “home” position will help you naturally produce more saliva and maintain your current salivary levels.
Additionally, breathing more completely becomes natural if the tongue is trained to rest on the roof of the mouth, which is where it should hang out. This helps to mitigate some of the drawbacks of mask wearing.
Continue to practise proper oral hygiene.
When they are aware that they will be wearing a mask, some people begin to neglect their dental care. Who is going to smell your breath, after all?
It may be tempting to skip brushing sessions in order to save time, but doing so can have negative long-term effects on dental health. (Also, keep in mind that you will be the one trapped in that mask, smelling your breath, whether it is fresh or foul.)
All things considered, it’s critical to continue practicing good oral hygiene practices, such as mindful brushing, flossing, and tongue cleansing on a regular basis.