{"id":114,"date":"2021-02-26T16:11:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-26T16:11:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marshdentalpa.com\/blog\/?p=114"},"modified":"2021-03-16T15:14:02","modified_gmt":"2021-03-16T15:14:02","slug":"face-masks-and-your-oral-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marshdentalpa.com\/blog\/2021\/02\/26\/face-masks-and-your-oral-health\/","title":{"rendered":"COVID-19 & Oral Health: How Face Masks Are Affecting Your Teeth and Gums"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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In a matter of weeks, the first anniversary of the COVID-19 shutdown will be here. In the last 12 months, our daily lives have been turned upside down to accommodate sanitation and safety guidelines put forth by organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Arguably one of the biggest changes has been the face mask mandates. While these coverings have played a crucial role in reducing the transmission of this novel virus, there has been some collateral damage. Keep reading to learn more about the link between face masks and declining oral health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Link Between Face Masks & Declining Oral Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At first, it seemed like the only downside of wearing face masks constantly was being confronted with the smell of our own breath. However, dentists across the U.S. have realized that the oral health of their patients is being negatively affected as well. In fact, one dentist shared with the New York Post<\/em> that roughly 50% of patients are being impacted by an emerging trend called \u201cmask mouth.\u201d This term is used to describe the dental problems stemming from unhygienic practices related to the increased use of face masks. Although extensive research is still underway, the damaging effects are undeniable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dangers of Mask Mouth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although research is still underway on the exact correlation between face masks and oral health, it is believed that dry mouth due to decreased water consumption and increased mouth breathing while wearing a mask are the source of the problem. Unfortunately, this COVID-19-related condition can wreak serious havoc on your oral health. A few of the dangers include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n