Wearing masks has become a daily norm due to COVID-19. While they protect us and others around us from the virus, they can also cause unpleasant breath issues.

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, occurs due to several reasons, including poor oral hygiene, bacteria buildup, and dry mouth. Since wearing masks traps saliva and humidifies the mouth, it creates an ideal environment for bacteria growth, resulting in bad breath. Here are a few tips to maintain fresh breath while wearing masks:.

1. Brush and Floss Regularly

The best way to prevent bad breath is to maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily to remove food particles, and rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash.

You can also clean your tongue with a tongue scraper to get rid of the bacteria that cause bad breath.

2. Stay Hydrated

A dry mouth can cause bad breath, so it’s essential to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist. If you cannot drink water regularly, chewing sugar-free gum can also help stimulate saliva production.

3. Avoid Strong-Smelling Foods

Foods such as garlic, onions, and spicy foods can leave a strong odor in your mouth, even after brushing. If possible, avoid eating them before going out in public or interacting with others while wearing a mask.

Instead, opt for fresh fruits and vegetables that can help balance the pH in your mouth and reduce bad breath.

4. Keep Breath Mints and Gum Handy

Carrying breath mints or sugar-free gum can be a lifesaver, especially if you’re out and about wearing a mask for extended periods. They can help freshen your breath and keep your mouth moist.

However, these should be used as a temporary solution, and you should not rely on them entirely to maintain good oral hygiene.

5. Use a Nasal Spray

Using a nasal spray can help reduce dry mouth and bad breath. It can also help prevent sinus infections that can worsen your breath. However, before using any nasal spray, consult with your doctor, especially if you have underlying health issues.

6. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Apart from maintaining good oral hygiene at home, it’s essential to schedule regular dental checkups to ensure that your mouth is healthy.

Your dentist can detect any underlying dental issues that may cause bad breath and provide the necessary treatment.

7. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol Consumption

Smoking cigarettes and consuming alcohol can cause bad breath. Both smoking and drinking can lead to dry mouth, which can result in a buildup of bacteria. If you’re a smoker or a drinker, consider reducing your consumption or quitting altogether.

8. Practice Proper Mask Hygiene

It’s essential to practice proper mask hygiene to prevent bad breath. Ensure that your mask is clean and washed daily. If possible, use masks that are made of breathable materials such as cotton.

Avoid using N95 masks and respirators as they can result in dry mouth and bad breath if worn for extended periods.

9. Be Mindful of Your Breathing

When wearing a mask, it’s crucial to be mindful of your breathing. Breathing through your nose can help reduce dry mouth and bad breath compared to breathing through your mouth.

If you’re experiencing dry mouth, take a break from your mask and drink water or use a mouth spray to freshen your breath.

10. Seek Medical Attention

If you’ve tried all the above tips and still experience bad breath, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Your bad breath may be an underlying symptom of a more severe medical condition such as GERD, diabetes, or liver disease.

Once diagnosed, your doctor can provide the appropriate treatment.

Conclusion

Wearing masks is crucial in preventing the spread of COVID-19. However, it’s equally essential to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent bad breath.

Brush and floss regularly, stay hydrated, avoid strong-smelling foods, carry breath mints and gum, use a nasal spray, schedule dental checkups, avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, practice proper mask hygiene, be mindful of your breathing and seek medical attention if necessary.