Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, health officials have regularly asked individuals to wear face masks whenever they are outside their homes. These coverings are meant to stop you from spreading your own germs while preventing you from picking up germs from others.

The Problem of Bad Breath

However, you may now be realizing that you have a problem with bad breath, often called halitosis. If you are able to smell your own breath behind your face covering, you can safely assume that the odor is even worse than you think.

It may surprise you that your face covering is not actually causing your halitosis. Instead, it is revealing a problem you may have had for years. Halitosis can be caused by the food you eat, poor dental hygiene or dehydration.

You may be able to clear up much of the problem by refocusing your efforts on good oral hygiene at home. Brushing in the morning and at night and flossing daily can remove the bacteria and plaque that could be causing the bad odors. Longstanding problems with your breath will also require the help of a dental hygienist who can thoroughly clean your teeth and check out the health of your gums.

The Problem of Dry Mouth

Many more individuals are also complaining of dry mouth these days. It can be difficult to breathe through masks, and you may find yourself mouth-breathing rather than breathing through your nose. This can quickly dry out your mouth as your saliva evaporates.

Over time, a perpetually dry mouth can cause other oral health problems, including halitosis, periodontal disease and cavities. While trying to breathe through your nose rather than your mouth can help, it may not be enough to solve a problem that is worsened every time you head out of your home.

The Smart Solution

The solution to either of these two common problems that crop up frequently these days is to schedule an appointment with your trusted dentist in Sherman Oaks. Good dental hygiene starts at home and is dependent on your daily efforts to keep your teeth clean and your gums healthy. However, you also need to see a dental hygienist for a cleaning every six months and have a dental examination at each appointment.

Your dentist may recommend several solutions for your halitosis or ongoing dry mouth problem. For example, he may ask you to use a toothpaste that includes an ingredient that can kill the bacteria causing plaque. He may also recommend a mouth rinse to kill unwelcome bacteria in even the most difficult-to-reach corners of your mouth. If you have gum disease, which could lead to large pockets of odor-causing bacteria beneath your gums, your dentist in Sherman Oaks will need to give you a professional deep cleaning.

Halitosis and dry mouth are not problems that you should have to deal with on your own. Instead, turn to our experienced dentist at Green Dental & Orthodontics for help with these and other oral issues today.