We brush our teeth, use mouthwash, maybe even use a whitening treatment.  We have access to veneers, implants and a host of alignment devices.  Our teeth and our smiles have become big business.  No go wear you mask and good luck!

Fox News reports that wearing a mask all the time is creating new dental issues for some people.  Some dentists are reporting seeing inflammation in people’s gums that have been healthy forever, and cavities in people who have never had them before.

It's pretty widespread too. In some areas 50% of patients are being impacted by ‘mask mouth’- named after the similarities in appearance to the oral destruction cause by methamphetamines known as "meth mouth.’”

So, I started doing physical therapy for some low back pain a few weeks ago and that means working out for an hour every other day wearing a mask.  Others have it much worse for sure but I can back up the report that when wearing a mask, people tend to breathe through their mouths rather than their nose, which causes dry mouth, which then sets the stage for tooth decay and gum disease to start.

Then there is this, the fact that people tend to drink less water while wearing a mask, and that people are tending to drink more coffee and alcohol during lock down is adding to the dental demise.

Dentists say there is a bit of a bright side—patients who might otherwise neglect their dental health during the pandemic are making appointments due to mask mouth bad breath.

 

More From News Talk KIT