How Do You Get Bad Breath?
Everyone gets stinky breath once in a while. Whether it’s waking up with a dry mouth or going heavy on the garlic, occasional bad breath is normal and easily cured by popping a mint and brushing your teeth well that night.
If you have persistent bad breath, however, it’s known as halitosis. This is usually down to a sub-par oral health routine which leads to an increase in bacteria in your mouth. While bad breath is one by-product of the bacteria, you’re also more likely to get cavities and gum disease too.
Is “mask breath” real?
Do you feel like wearing a face mask gives you bad breath or changes your natural smell in some way? You may be right, although it’s not as simple as just saying “masks give you bad breath”. Here are some examples of what might be going on:
- It’s The Mask That Smells, Not Your Breath.
Opening a packet for a fresh mask sometimes brings a chemical smell with it. After wearing the mask, you might find it still smells on the inside. In this case, it’s not you, it’s the mask itself.
- Masks Can Change The Way You Breathe
If you find it difficult to breathe with a face mask on, you might be more likely to breathe through your mouth than your nose. This can lead to your mouth drying out which, yes, can give you bad breath.
- Masks Trap Strong Odors
If you do have bad breath, whether chronic or temporary, merely wearing a face mask will keep some of that odor trapped right where you can smell it. Masks don’t cause bad breath but they sure can let you know if you already have it.
How to get rid of bad breath or mask breath
Sometimes, wearing a mask can be an advantage in the halitosis department. If you and the person you’re speaking to are both masked up, it’s unlikely that they’ll be able to tell your breath smells less than sweet. If you’re still feeling self-conscious about it, though, here are some tips to help get rid of mask breath:
- Stay hydrated – remember to drink water. This can be easy to forget if you’re wearing a face covering for long periods.
- Wash or change your mask regularly.
- Keep up a good brushing and flossing routine. This is the main factor in keeping your mouth healthy.
- As a last resort, it doesn’t hurt to keep some sugar free gum or a breath mint handy.
Persistent bad breath can be an indicator of deeper dental or health issues. Patients in Pueblo, CO and surrounding areas can make an appointment with Pueblo West Neighborhood Dental and Implants for a thorough dental exam and cleaning to get that breath smelling sweet again in no time.
