How to fight bad breath and 'maskne' while wearing a face covering
Changing your mask often is a crucial step, experts say
Wearing a mask is an important way to protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19. That's why wearing one is now mandatory in indoor public spaces in many parts of the province.
But wearing a face mask can also lead to some new questions, such as:
Has my breath always smelled this bad?
And, why are my cheeks suddenly covered in pimples?
Experts say that the enclosed environment created by a face mask can make people more aware of bad breath and even lead to "maskne" but there are some simple steps you can take to adjust your hygiene routine that will help.
'Sealed-off environment'
For dentist Dr. Aadil Shamji, it's no surprise that wearing a mask would make someone suddenly aware of their breath.
"It's supposed to be kind of a sealed-off environment where not a lot of particles are going in and out," said Shamji, who owns the Trillium Dental Centre in Waterloo.
"So anything you're breathing in that mask, you're going to be smelling it consistently."
The recent pandemic craze for home baking could also be making people's breath worse, said Shamji. Sugary foods, like cake and cookies, allow bacteria in the mouth to thrive.
Compounding the issue is the fact that many dental offices closed, except for emergency treatments, for a period this spring, meaning a segment of the population are likely behind on their hygiene appointments.
"A lot of people have more buildup of plaque, which then leads to bad breath," said Shamji.
Don't forget your tongue
To fight mask breath, Shamji recommended brushing and flossing after every meal. If that's not realistic, a twice-a-day routine works.
While you're at it, don't forget to brush or scrape your tongue, said hygienist Yessika Montes.
"The tongue is one of the biggest surfaces for bacteria," said Montes, who owns a clinic in Kitchener.
Drinking lots of water, avoiding cigarettes and chewing sugar-free gum can also help, said Shamji.
And while bad breath isn't usually a serious problem, Shamji said it's worth consulting a doctor or dentist if you notice a sudden change in your breath.
"Nine times out of 10 it's just the patients not cleaning their mouth well," he said. "But that one time out of 10, it could be something else like reflux disease, they could have diabetes, they could have other things going on."
Fighting 'maskne'
The moist, enclosed environment created by a face mask can also trap dirt, oils and makeup, leading to mask-induced acne — or "maskne," said Guelph dermatologist Dr. Dusan Sajic.
Sajic tells his patients to avoid this problem by treating their masks like underwear. That means washing them often and changing after every use.
"I think that's the easiest and quickest step," said Sajic.
The Public Health Agency of Canada also advises people to change their masks as soon as possible if they become damp or dirty.
When it comes to choosing a reusable mask, Sajic recommends tightly-woven, breathable materials like linen or cotton. Those fabrics allow skin to breathe, he said.
Sajic also recommends skipping heavy makeup and opting for a gentle cleanser and moisturizer rather than an elaborate skincare regime.
Sajic echoed Shamji's advice that a sudden change in skin condition could warrant a visit to the doctor's office for a professional opinion.
In the meantime, Sajic said: no picking.
"If it's just acne from the mask we can reverse that ... We have ways that make it better," he said. "But if you're picking at it [and cause scarring], that is so hard to reverse."