Why Does My Breath Smell Bad When Wearing a Mask?

Now that we live in our masks all day, I’m sure you’ve noticed a change in your breath. Most are referring to this as “mask breath,” but in all honesty, your mask isn’t to blame for this smell. Wearing a mask is like constantly cupping your mouth to smell your own breath.

Bad breath is properly called halitosis and is usually a result of decreased saliva production. There are plenty of reasons you could be experiencing bad breath, but we made a list of the most common reasons.

Bad Breath Culprits

1. Diet can be a big reason you may be experiencing having bad beath. Foods like garlic, coffee, fish, eggs, and onion are all known to leave an odor behind. Along with these foods, sweets commonly leave an odor on your breath. As reported on CNN, bacteria feeds off sugar and this results in a foul odor. This is known to often happen with gummies and caramels. If you have a sweet tooth, your best option is to go with plain chocolate!
2. Mouth breathers are already known to have a bad connotation around them, and partly because of the bad breath they have. At night, saliva production is decreased and mouth breathing or snoring can further dry out the mouth, making it even worse than the normal “morning breath.” The best way to combat the mouth breathing stench is to drink a lot of water and continue with a normal healthy dental hygiene routine.
3. When food gets wedged in between your teeth and gums, bacteria will start to break down, leaving a stink behind. If you experience this, try brushing your teeth and tongue three times a day, flossing, and using a fluoride mouthwash.
4. Now that you’re wearing a mask, it stops you from drinking. If you’re consuming less water than you once did, it can result in bad breath. Drinking water regularly allows for bacteria to be washed away before they multiply and cause your breath to smell.
5. Underlying medical conditions can result in bad breath. If you’re experiencing acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease, the acid easily creates bad breath. Untreated GERD can develop into serious illness. Bad breath can also be an early sign of an underlying disease that doesn’t have any noticeable symptoms.

Kiss Bad Breath Goodbye

If you’ve noticed your “mask breath,” make an appointment with your dentist. Your dentist will be able to help determine the reason you’re experiencing halitosis and recommend some personalized solutions. At All Smiles Dental Group, we are following all COVID precautions and accepting new patients. Contact us today.