Now that we are all accustomed to wearing masks when in public, have you noticed your own breath underneath your mask? It’s important to know this isn’t your mask, but if you do begin to smell your breath maybe try focusing on your oral hygiene.
If the mask has made you more aware of your breath, you’re most likely suffering from halitosis, a technical term for bad breath that is often caused by a decreased level of saliva. Halitosis is common, but there are a couple of reasons your breath could be protruding an odor.
We dove into why you might be experiencing bad breath and how you can maintain a minty fresh mouth moving forward.
Why Does My Breath Smell?
- Staying hydrated is beneficial in many ways, it keeps your body functioning, and it keeps your mouth free from unwanted bacteria, which is 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 unintentionally limiting your water intake. No matter how long your plan on wearing your mask throughout the day, make sure you are still enjoying about an ounce of water for each pound you weigh.
- If you noticed your bad breath is sticking around for longer, there could be a few factors to blame. This can be due to acid reflux or a gastroesophageal condition that has gone untreated and undiagnosed. Bad breath can also be a sign from your body that it’s time to pay your dentist and doctor a visit.
- Diet is a huge contributor to your oral health. Coffee, soda, and other fatty foods often contain a lot of sugar, and it happens to be bacteria’s favorite to feed off of! As reported by CNN, bacteria feasts on sugar, which causes poor breath, so keep your toothbrush handy after enjoying a sweet, sugary snack.
- If you forget to floss or hydrate after eating, we allow bacteria to fester. 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.
- Those who breathe through their mouth and snore 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.
Say Goodbye to Bad Breath
Bad breath can be embarrassing and hard to tackle alone, which is why we are here to help you maintain a clean, and healthy mouth.
Say goodbye to halitosis by booking an appointment with us.