Mask mouth is a stinky side effect of wearing masks.

Our dental practice is seeing an increase in cavities and gum disease (gingivitis and periodontal disease) since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020.

Mask mouth is triggered by face coverings since wearing a mask causes a buildup of bacteria and increases the dryness in your mouth. 

Gum disease may eventually lead to stroke, has a direct link with diabetes if left untreated, may lead to an increased risk for Alzheimer’s Disease and may cause an increased risk of heart attack.  There are many published studies to support these links between the mouth and body. Your mouth is the gateway to your overall body wellness.

People tend to breathe through their mouth instead of through their nose while wearing a mask. This mouth breathing inside your mask is causing dry mouth, which leads to a decrease in your saliva flow. Saliva is the watery substance in your mouth that has enzymes in it to help fight bacteria and cleanses your teeth. Saliva also neutralizes acids in your mouth and helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Since masks are mandatory in Ontario, there are many things we can do to avoid their side effects:

• Chew sugar-free gum containing xylitol like Pur (gum stimulates saliva flow)
• Drink water frequently to stay hydrated.
• Reduce your caffeine intake.
• Use a humidifier (to “help moisten the air”)
• Use an alcohol-free mouthwash like Listerine O
• Use a tongue scraper to cleanse your tongue daily
• Brush at least twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily
• Eat healthy nutritious snacks in between meals like cheese, apples & carrots.
• Don’t smoke.
• Breathe through your nose especially when wearing a mask.
• Schedule regular professional hygiene therapy visits ideally every 3 months to reduce the millions of bacterial colonies in your mouth. Your hygienist or Dr. Steffens will remove the bacteria from the surface of your teeth, roots, and below your gums.