Due to COVID-19, I noticed my bad breath... The smell lingering on the mask is halitosis

The Cause of Bad Breath Is Mostly Dental Diseases; Other Causes Should Be Investigated If No Improvement After Treatment

Unpleasant odors lingering on masks after prolonged use are likely caused by poor oral hygiene leading to bad breath. [Image source=Clipart Korea]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Kim Yong-woo] The most commonly used daily necessity in the ‘With Corona’ era is undoubtedly the protective mask. To prevent COVID-19 infection, most office workers wear masks for more than 10 hours a day, combining commuting and working hours, except during meal times.

Some people experience an unpleasant odor lingering on the mask after wearing it for a long time.

They may wonder about the smell and then realize it is their own breath, leading to concerns about whether others might have noticed their bad breath. It is true that COVID-19 has made it easier to become aware of one’s own bad breath.

Bad breath, commonly called halitosis, is an unpleasant odor originating from the mouth that causes discomfort to oneself or others.

Although it is often said that “bad breath comes from stomach problems,” experts say that most causes of bad breath originate inside the mouth.

Volatile sulfur compounds produced during the breakdown of proteins and amino acids contained in saliva, food debris, blood, and oral mucosal cells by bacteria present in the mouth are known to be the main cause. These compounds produce odors similar to rotten eggs or onions.

Since everyone has factors that cause bad breath, experts emphasize the importance of knowing and following proper management methods.

It is recommended to drink water frequently to prevent dry mouth, and to avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and stressful situations, as these factors cause oral dryness.

Also, the inside of the tongue and gum areas are major sources of bad breath, so it is important to brush carefully using a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying attention to the areas where gums and teeth meet. Using interdental brushes or dental floss is also necessary to remove food debris in areas difficult to clean with a toothbrush.

To thoroughly clean the inside of the tongue, it is advisable to use a tongue scraper or tongue cleaner, brushing gently from the back to the front of the tongue surface 3 to 4 times about twice a day. However, brushing the tongue too hard can cause inflammation and damage taste buds, leading to taste disorders, so caution is needed.

Dr. Sung Ji-yoon, a dentist at Daedong Hospital, said, “Bad breath is a common problem experienced by most adults, and with a little care and management, it can be quickly improved, so there is no need to be overly stressed.”

Dr. Sung advised, “If symptoms persist despite management, it could be due to oral diseases such as cavities or periodontitis, or other internal medical conditions like ulcers, so it is recommended to visit a nearby medical institution.”

For healthy oral care, it is necessary to wash hands before and after brushing, have personal toothbrushes, toothpaste, and cups, keep toothbrushes spaced apart when stored, and undergo regular oral check-ups.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.