Love them or not, wearing a mask is something we in dentistry have been doing all day long for years. Now that the general public has been wearing masks on a regular basis, we’re seeing some of the side-effects brought on by having a protective cover over your mouth all day long.
Less Attention Toward Oral Hygiene
It can be tempting to not brush as long or often if you know you’re going to be wearing a mask anyway. But if you’re not disrupting plaque biofilm once or twice a day, it can calcify onto your tooth and become permanent tartar buildup. For those of us who may have difficulty getting to a toothbrush in the middle of the day, consider chewing a piece of gum with Xylitol in it (the Xylitol helps repel plaque bacteria).
Dry Mouth
Do you tend to breathe through your mouth when you’re wearing a mask? If so, it can lead to irritated gum tissues, bad breath, and even a higher rate of tooth decay. Try to sip on water often, focus on breathing through your nose, and make sure you’re flossing every night. If your mouth is always covered up, you might not be hydrating like you need to (and your body needs hydration to keep up with saliva production).
Chapped Lips and Facial Breakouts
We hate to tell you, but this is also pretty normal. Especially if you have sensitive skin (or if you’re breathing through your mouth too much.) Be sure to find a great lip balm and gentle facial wash to use each day to keep your skin hydrated. Wash your reusable masks regularly to avoid skin infections.
Yes. It’s Safe to See the Dentist
Aesthetic & Implant Center of Atlanta is following stringent protocols to keep our patients safe. Call today to schedule your next exam.
