2020, a year etched in our memories for various reasons, witnessed the ubiquitous adoption of face masks as a preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus. While this practice is commendable for safeguarding lives, it has also brought about an unwelcome revelation for some – the awareness of not-so-fresh breath.

Putting on a face mask and detecting an unpleasant odor? Chances are, your own breath is the culprit, not the mask itself. Face masks don't create bad breath; they merely make us more conscious of it. If you're experiencing this olfactory realization now, it likely means you had bad breath before the pandemic without being aware of it.

Take solace in the fact that you're not alone in this discovery. A humorous tweet captures the sentiment: "The only bad thing about wearing a face mask in public is that I get to taste, and sometimes literally chew, my own bad breath."

The newfound proximity to your own breath, thanks to the mask, acts like cupping your hand over your mouth to check your breath – but it's a constant presence. The mask covers your mouth and nose, trapping the breath and making you more attuned to its scent.

Turning the narrative positive, consider this: How many people are usually as close to your mouth for an extended period as your face mask is? Probably very few, so the odds are you don't have a secret reputation as the bad-breathed one in your social circle.

There's good news too – bad breath, or halitosis, is manageable. The primary cause is often poor dental hygiene, with additional factors including smoking, specific foods, or dental infections. Low saliva production can also contribute, a concern best diagnosed by a dentist.

Addressing bad breath starts with maintaining a consistent oral care routine:

• Floss once a day to reach areas inaccessible to your toothbrush.
• Brush twice a day to remove plaque effectively.
• Replace your toothbrush every three months to ensure optimal cleaning.
• Flossing is crucial for cleaning tight gaps between teeth, where bacteria can accumulate. Neglecting to floss means leaving half of your mouth uncleaned. Regularly replacing your toothbrush is not a marketing ploy; it is fundamental to oral health. Worn bristles cannot effectively remove plaque, potentially leading to bad breath and oral issues.
  
  

In conclusion, keeping your oral hygiene in check benefits not only your breath but also your overall well-being, saving you from potential costly and painful problems down the line.