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The use of the mask does not cause oral pathologies
Millions of bacteria belonging to some 300 different families live in the mouth. Lack of oxygen could alter that balance called symbiosis to lead to an imbalance (dysbiosis) in which certain more pathogenic oral bacteria could develop and predominate. However, it is highly unlikely that this situation of lack of oxygen will occur under the usual conditions of use of the masks.
In this sense, Dr. Óscar Castro Reino, President of the General Council of Dentists, assures that the use of the mask and this supposed lack of oxygen, are not the causes of halitosis (bad breath): "By wearing the mask, a part of the air that we expire stays in contact with our olfactory system for a longer time. For this reason, some people think who have now developed this problem, when the truth is that they already had it before wearing the mask but had not detected it. " Likewise, it should be noted that the masks deteriorate with use. Surgical ones, for example, should be discarded after 4 or 6 hours because if they do not, they will accumulate saliva, lose their effectiveness and increase the bad smell.
The importance of taking extreme hygiene and maintaining healthy habits
The fact of wearing the mask for several hours and not showing the mouth should not imply the abandonment of oral hygiene. Adequate tooth brushing should be performed at least 2 times a day with fluoridated toothpaste, including interdental hygiene. "We have to remember that the oral mucosa is one of the routes of entry for the coronavirus. Keeping the mouth healthy is essential," recalls Dr. Castro.
In addition, now more than ever it is essential to take care of the toothbrush, wash our hands well before and after using it, clean it, rinse and dry it, keep it protected in its cap, never share it, remove it from the toilet (to avoid possible contamination) and do not store it together with other brushes but independently.
In the same way, it is necessary to maintain healthy eating habits, minimizing sugary products and avoiding the consumption of alcohol and tobacco. Lastly, the president of the Collegiate Organization recommends going to the dentist before any oral cavity disorder to address the problem as soon as possible. "Most oral pathologies have a simple treatment if diagnosed early," concludes Dr. Castro.