Mask Mouth: A Silent Threat to Oral Health

Today, the world is facing the deadliest global pandemic, and somehow, everyone is fighting for their lives. The coronavirus being an airborne communicable disease, has created havoc among the population. The best possible way suggested to protect one is by staying indoors and using protective gear such as mouth masks, face shields, etc. As we cannot stay indoors forever, the one possible solution left to keep oneself safe while working outside is through protective gear. Among them, the most economical and easily available product is mouth masks. Mask culture has taken its place in daily life, and it is not known how long it will continue. During this pandemic, the oral health of the individual is highly neglected. However, due to negligence and poor hygiene practices, this protective tool poses another hidden threat. This opportunistic condition known as Mask Mouth is a rising global threat in the world of dentistry. Every individual harbors a biome for a variety of oral flora. Irregular and improper usage of masks provides this flora to bloom and causes various oral conditions. The long-term wearing of masks, mouth breathing, and poor mask hygiene provide adequate moisture and temperature for oral bacteria to grow, leading to different oral diseases. It can be stopped because it is preventable because the threat is real and needs to be addressed at the right time.