Breathing Easy
Wearing a mask is something we have all become accustomed to over the last year. However, that hasn't made it any more comfortable to wear them throughout the day.
And what makes wearing a mask unbearable? Bad Breath...More than ever, we are aware of the smell of our breath. It has left many feeling self-conscious and insecure. Nobody wants bad breath. That is why we have provided some tips to help you keep your mask smelling fresh.
There are many different types of masks, but you want something comfortable to breathe in that also provides the protection you need. Get yourself a mask that is made from 100% cotton. Cotton will allow you to breathe as easily as possible. Materials like polyester don't breathe easily, and they hold smells longer than other materials.
Smelling Fresh
Now that you have the right mask let's get it smelling nice. There are a couple of tricks to help improve the smell of your mask.
Store your masks in the same drawer as your gum or mints. This will leave your mask smelling minty fresh.
Apply your favorite essential oil scent to the mask. It is important to remember to not overpower your mask. Remember, a little goes a long way. You can reduce the potency of the oil by mixing it with a small amount of water before applying. Refrain from putting the oils in the middle of your mask. Instead, put some on the edges, and the scent should last throughout the day!
Bad Breath Leftovers
Now, let's address the source of the smell...your mouth. Bad breath can leave you dreading your mask and can affect how you function. Bad breath can be caused by a couple of different reasons.
Food. We all know foods that affect our breath, such as coffee, garlic, fish, eggs, onions, etc. Some may think gum or mints can fix this problem. These things indeed help, but they just mask the problem (see what we did there?). Even brushing your teeth may not do the trick. So how do you solve smelly breath?
Stay hydrated by drinking more water and less caffeinated drinks. Caffeine and sugar slow down your saliva production, which can lead to bad breath. You can also try fighting lousy breath with other foods, such as lemons, parsley, and crisp fruits and veggies such as apples or carrots. These foods stimulate saliva production, which helps your mouth wash away impurities.
When in doubt, tongue scrapers are a small helpful tool that help remove the built-up bacteria on your tongue. The tongue is one of the main hubs for stinky bacteria.
Unmasking the True Villain of Bad Breath
There are three holes used for breathing; the two nostrils and the mouth, this is called The Breathing Triangle®. Many people do not even realize that there is a right and wrong way to breathe. The correct way is to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth. Bad breath is a direct result of mouth breathing.
If there is something preventing you from breathing through your nose, you may be more be inclined to breathe through your mouth especially while wearing a mask. However, doing so is the main cause of your bad breath. Mouth breathing can also lead to more serious issues down the road.
Thankfully, you can do things to fix the way you breathe and take advantage of the many benefits of breathing through your nose, such as a decrease in bad breath. If you are tired of having constant bad breath, start fresh and schedule an appointment with us today!