Effects of masks on dental health

Posted on 2/21/2022 by Dr. Bembey and Dr. Yokoyama

Wearing a mask for prolonged periods, can cause you oral problems such as mask mouth. In simple terms, it is the side effect of wearing a mask for long hours. In our present world, wearing a mask is mandatory to prevent infectious diseases like Covid 19. Masks prevent an infected person's respiratory droplets from traveling through the air onto other people while talking, coughing, or sneezing. You can come to our dental practice if you experience any oral problems caused by wearing a mask for effective treatment.

Effects of mask mouth

One Side effect of mask mouth might include tooth decay caused by disrupted patterns in breathing. Wearing masks causes more rapid breathing, breathing using the chest, mouth, and the neck instead of diaphragm alone. Breathing using the mouth causes a decrease in saliva in the mouth. Saliva plays an essential role in oral health. Saliva protects the teeth from decay and washes away food particles.

Secondly, mask mouth causes dehydration where one wearing a mask drinks less water than usual. Dehydration leads to mouth dry rising the risk of tooth decay and bad breath. Dehydration can cause lips cracks and pimples around the mouth.

Wearing a mask leads to recycling air. The air that recycles around is carbon dioxide, known for its toxic effects on the human body. It can cause acidity in the mouth leading to conditions like gum disease. Gum disease is characterized by bleeding gums and painful chewing.

Symptoms of mask mouth

Mask mouth comes with a dry mouth and less saliva to moist the mouth. This condition leads to other complications like difficulty eating, speaking, and swallowing. It also increases the chance of tooth decay. Bad breath can be another sign of a mask mouth. The foul smell is due to dehydration. If you note the above symptoms are happening to your mouth due to the mask, you should contact our dentist immediately for a comprehensive checkup and personalized care.

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Dr. Bembey and Dr. Yokoyama
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Encinitas Periodontics & Dental Implants, 477 North El Camino Real #C-306, Encinitas, CA 92024 | 760-632-9055 | encinitasperiodontist.com | 6/10/2023 | Page Terms:Periodontist Encinitas CA |