Now that you’ve been wearing a mask more than ever, I’m sure you’ve noticed a change in your breath. Think of wearing a mask as constantly cupping your mouth to smell your breath. You’re probably wondering why the mask is making your breath smell, but in reality, it might not be the mask.
There are plenty of reasons why you might be experiencing bad breath. We decided to make a list of potential reasons!
What Might Be Causing Your Bad Breath
- Wearing a mask inhibits you from drinking. Bad breath can result from having a dry mouth. Drinking water regularly allows for bacteria to be washed away before they can multiply and cause your breath to smell.
- Mouth Breathing will increase any smell that is in your mouth. At night, saliva production is decreased. Mouth breathing or snoring can further dry out the mouth, making your breath even worse than the normal “morning breath.” The best way to get a fast fix to your breathing problems is to drink lots of water and continue with your dental hygiene routine.
- Ensure you are brushing your teeth correctly. Food can get trapped between your teeth and under your gums. When this happens, bacteria will start breaking it down, leaving behind a foul odor. Make sure you’re brushing your teeth and tongue three times a day, flossing, and using a mouthwash with fluoride in it!
- Diet is a commonly known culprit to bad breath. Garlic, coffee, fish, eggs, and onions are all known to leave an odor behind on your breath. According to CNN, sugar is like a superfood to bacteria, leaving a stink behind. Gummies and caramels are the worst offenders, but if you have to have a sweet, your best option is to go for plain chocolate!
- If you’ve evaluated the above possibilities, and you’re still experiencing bad breath, you may have an underlying medical condition. If you experience acid reflux or gastroesophageal relux disease, the acid can easily create bad breath. Bad breath can also be an early sign of other underlying diseases that don’t have any noticeable symptoms.
We’ve Got You Covered
If you’re experiencing bad breath, consider making an appointment with your dentist! They should be able to determine the reason behind your bad breath and be able to give you some solutions.