At this point, we are all accustomed to masking up in public, but have you happened to notice your own breath underneath your mask? Don’t worry, it’s not your mask! If you begin to smell your breath, you should focus on your oral hygiene.
If you are aware of your breath, you could be suffering from halitosis, a technical term for bad breath that is often caused by a decreased level of saliva in your mouth. Halitosis is common, but there are a few other reasons your breath could be protruding an odor.
Read on to learn more about why you might be experiencing bad breath and how you can maintain a minty fresh mouth moving forward.
Why Does My Breath Smell?
1. Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to keep your mouth free from unwanted bacteria, a common culprit of bad breath. If you’re prone to wearing a mask several hours a day, keep in mind that you may be limiting your water intake unintentionally. No matter how long you plan on wearing a mask throughout the day, make sure you are still enjoying about an ounce of water for each pound you weigh.
2. If your bad breath is lingering for longer than usual, there could be other factors at play, like acid reflux or a gastroesophageal condition that’s gone untreated. Bad breath can be a sign from your body that it’s time to visit your dentist and possibly your doctor.
3. When we forget to floss or hydrate after a meal, we are allowing bacteria to fester for longer! Food stuck between your teeth without a rinsing agent can leave behind an unpleasant smell, so make sure to swish your mouth with water, grab some floss or try brushing your teeth after your meals.
4. Diet is a huge contributor to your oral health. Soda, coffee, and other fatty foods often contain a lot of sugar, which is bacteria’s favorite food! As reported by CNN, bacteria feasts on sugar, which causes poor breath, so keep your toothbrush handy after enjoying a sweet snack.
5. Mouth breathers and snorers may be limiting their saliva production, which leads to stinky breath. Following regular dental hygiene and remaining hydrated is the best way to keep your saliva production functioning at its best.
No More Bad Breath
Bad breath can be embarrassing to tackle alone, which is why we are always here to help you maintain a clean, healthy mouth.
Say goodbye to mask breath by booking your appointment with us today.