A variety of oral side effects from wearing a mask for extended time can include:
DRY MOUTH, BAD BREATH, TOOTH DECAY, and GUM DISEASE.
The reason for these possible side effects are
Disrupted breathing patterns: Wearing a mask can impact on your breathing patterns with more rapid breathing, shallow breaths and opening your mouth to breath.
Breathing through your mouth: decreases the amount of saliva present in your mouth. Saliva is important for your teeth as it protects against decay.
Dehydration: wearing a mask can also cause you to drink less water than usual and this can lead to dry mouth which increases you risk of tooth decay.
Recycling air: Wearing a mask traps more carbon dioxide in your mouth than usual. This carbon dioxide does not affect your body but can increase the acidity of your mouth which can place you at risk of more infections or gum disease.
Even if you are experiencing some of these symptoms KEEP WEARING YOUR MASK! Wearing a mask is an effect way to slow the spread of a virus and helps to protect the vulnerable people in our community.
How do you prevent Mask Mouth?
Focus on your ORAL HYGIENE regime: Brush your teeth twice a day & floss once a day.
Chewing SUGAR FREE gum: will help to stimulate saliva flow & keep your mouth moist.
Visit your dentist: if you notice any sensitivity with teeth or gums, tenderness or bleeding.
Stay HYDRATED: Drink water throughout the day. Sip frequently and run the water around your mouth before swallowing. TAP WATER IS BEST! Do NOT put lemon or lime or any other fruit into your water. The fruit will make the water ACID. Just have plain water.
Contact your Dentist or Hygienist: if you notice any changes from wearing a mask for extended time
Wearing a Mask might be an inconvenience, but keeping your mouth healthy is easy. Paying extra attention to your oral care and wearing a mask is what we need to do to protect our neighbors and friends from the Covid-19 virus.
So make sure you keep wearing a mask and keep up with your oral hygiene!
Commentaires