Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have received a wealth of information on how to prevent and avoid infection. One of the accessories we have become most familiar with is the face mask. We know everything about how it protects us, its different shapes, fabrics, and designs, and even how to change it. We can be sure that face masks will be a part of our everyday appearance for the next few months.
But… Does its prolonged use affect our mouth, lips, teeth and gums?
The answer is yes. The use of face masks, as they are currently being used in this new reality, does affect our oral health.
Firstly, there’s a noticeable decrease in oral hygiene, which affects the health of our mouths. The fact that masks mask our breath, the whiteness of our teeth, food debris, etc., has led many people to neglect their daily oral hygiene routine.
And what specific effects does the use of a mask bring?
The air-deprived oral cavity allows saprophytic bacteria to proliferate, causing diseases such as: dental demineralization, cavities, periodontal diseases caused by tartar or plaque, halitosis (bad breath), and alteration of tooth color.
It’s also important to remember that when wearing a mask, breathing, coughing, sneezing, or talking project saliva onto it, which, when it dries, produces an unpleasant odor. This is why surgical masks, which are generally recommended, should be changed every 4 or 5 hours. After this time, the mask collapses, stops filtering properly, and gives off a strong smell. Therefore, now more than ever, we must pay special attention to our oral hygiene and health, as our mouth, teeth, tongue, lips, gums, etc., can be seriously affected by various pathologies.
And what should we do?
It is well known that the novel coronavirus Covid-19 concentrates particularly in the mucous membranes of our nose, mouth, throat, and larynx; hence its high transmissibility through the air. Therefore, a good oral hygiene routine is very important to weaken the effects of this virus and reduce its ability to spread.
It’s also important to keep your toothbrush clean and separate from the rest of the family’s toothbrushes. Contact between toothbrushes facilitates the transmission of the virus and other bacteria. It’s also important to keep the toilet lid closed when flushing, as this keeps some of the aerosol suspended in the air and can reach your toothbrush. Some studies suggest that COVID-19 can be transmitted through fecal matter. And don’t forget to use chlorine-based bathroom cleaning products like bleach.
Don’t worry about going to your regular dental checkups. Our dental clinics are equipped with all kinds of disinfectant products and follow medical protocols recommended by health authorities to prevent the transmission of the virus in our facilities: we take temperatures, disinfect all materials used, use PPE, etc. Going to the dentist is safe! Postponing your treatment can have adverse health consequences. Enjoy this summer with a healthy smile.
