Today, wearing a mask when outside is an understood necessity. Even after we’ve been vaccinated, we know we will be asked to wear one for some time to come. However, there is a problem we need to tackle if we’re going to get through this last stretch comfortably: Mask Breath.
“Wearing a mask can lead to increased oral health problems such as bad breath, dry mouth, tooth decay, and gum disease,” says Dr. Harold Katz, dentist, bad breath expert, and founder of The Breath Co.
“That’s because wearing a mask alters the production of saliva and saliva is a very important element in maintaining oral health. Once your mouth becomes even slightly dry, anaerobic sulfur-producing bacteria start to produce Volatile Sulfur Compounds. Those are the chemicals produced by these bacteria which are the smelly basis for bad breath. Saliva contains natural elements, including oxygen, which are the natural enemy of bad breath-producing bacteria. Once saliva production is minimized, bad breath is not far behind.”
Don’t worry, though. Dr. Katz has some suggestions for how you can fight back Mask Breath so you can breathe easily (and safely) for the months to come.
Practice Good Oral Health
Of course, you’ve heard the first solution to preventing Mask Breath before: brush your teeth and floss regularly. The bacteria that cause bad breath feed on food particles in your mouth. If you remove those food particles by brushing and flossing, you starve them out.
Make sure to practice good technique while you brush. Brush your teeth in a circular motion, making sure to get low on your gumline and far in the back. Brush for two minutes and rinse with a quality oral rinse (like one of The Breath Co’s Fresh Breath Oral Rinses) instead of water. If you rinse with water, you’ll just wash out all the helpful ingredients in your toothpaste.
Be sure to floss twice a day. Some people find it helpful to place their floss next to the television and floss during commercials to help them remember. Whatever method works with you, making flossing into a habit will do wonders for your Mask Breath and your smile.
Stay Hydrated
It’s always important to keep hydrated when out and about. This is doubly true if you’re wearing a mask. Water helps your mouth produce healthy, oxygen-rich saliva that targets and kills the bacteria that cause bad breath. A dry mouth is a breeding ground for bad breath, so keeping hydrated won’t just keep you healthy, it will keep your breath fresh.
Use The Breath Co Fresh Breath Oral Rinse
Finally, you can fight Mask Breath by using The Breath Co’s Fresh Breath Oral Rinse. As Dr. Katz explains, “The reason that The Breath Company Oral Rinses work so well on Mask Breath is that it mimics healthy saliva by introducing oxygenation to prevent the bad breath bacteria from making the sulfur odors in the first place.”
The Breath Co. Fresh Breath Oral Rinse also contains no burning alcohol, which can make the problem worse by drying your mouth out. It’s certified vegan, halal, kosher, and gluten-free. Pick it up today and never worry about mask breath again!
For more information, please visit the website www.thebreathco.com
