The events of 2020 have led to a new development in oral health that merits discussion.
Tooth decay, gum disease, and dry mouth are becoming more common, according to dentists.
The media has dubbed this new phenomenon “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 article.
The effects of wearing a mask on one’s oral health and ways to lower the risks are explained by physiology. We can take steps to wear masks safely while preserving our oral health if we are aware of how they may affect our mouths.
What does “mask mouth” mean?
The effects of prolonged mask use on our oral health are known as “mask mouth,” which is a relatively recent phenomenon in our global culture. The pandemic has forced the general public to deal with the effects of long-term, habitual mask wearing, including mask mouth.
Let’s start by examining the causes of mask mouth. Next, we’ll examine ways to mitigate the risks 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 pathogens can multiply when salivary flow is reduced.
You may be less likely to drink water during the day to stay 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 through your mouth rather than your nose.
Bad breath and even teeth misalignment over time are among the many other 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 through your mouth and decrease the frequency of water intake
- Dry mouth and decreased saliva are the results of both of these.
- Thieves can multiply and take control of the oral microbiome when the mouth is dry.
- This change in the oral microbiome increases the risk of gum disease and tooth decay if the aforementioned behaviors are repeated.
What can we do to help ourselves if masks are required at the moment due to the pandemic?
How can the dangers of mask mouth be reduced?
Fortunately, there are a number of steps that can be taken to assist in navigating this difficult circumstance.
1. Throughout the day, look for opportunities to safely take off your mask.
In other words, try to minimize the duration of time you spend breathing through a mask. Why take the chance of prolonging the physiological down-regulation?
Consider how many people you see wearing masks and driving alone in cars the next time you’re out on the road. Lowering your mask and breathing freely (through your nose, of course!) is a good way to give your body a break 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 can remind yourself to breathe easily through your nose and to take breaks for water when it’s safe to do so by regularly practicing conscious awareness of your breathing.
Try setting a timer for every 15 to 30 minutes while you’re in a mask-heavy zone. In this manner, you can set your little timer to remind you to focus on taking five deep, slow breaths.
3. Even when you’re not wearing a mask, practice breathing through your nose and maintaining your tongue in the “home” position.
For us, this gem is significant.
This method is incredibly beneficial to the whole person. Restricting the discussion to this article, learning to keep your tongue in the “home” position can help you naturally produce more saliva and maintain your current salivary levels.
Additionally, breathing more fully becomes natural if the tongue is trained to rest in the roof of the mouth, which is where it should hang out. This helps to mitigate some of the drawbacks of mask wearing.
4. Continue to practice proper oral hygiene.
When they are aware that they will be wearing a mask, some people begin to neglect their dental hygiene. 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 oral health. (Also, keep in mind that you will be the one trapped in that mask, smelling your breath, whether it is fresh or foul.)