[콕!Health] "If Worried About Bad Breath, Change Your Mask Frequently"

Research by Professor Yeonhee Lee at Kyung Hee University Dental Hospital

Medical experts have advised that regularly replacing masks is beneficial for those concerned about bad breath. This comes as a correlation between mask-wearing and oral odor has been confirmed.

Kyung Hee University Dental Hospital announced that Professor Lee Yeon-hee from the Department of Oral Medicine recently published a research paper confirming the correlation between mask-wearing and halitosis (bad breath) through bacterial analysis inside masks. The paper was published in the February issue of the SCI(E)-level international journal, Scientific Reports.

The title of the paper is "Volatile sulfur compounds and oral microbiota on the inner surface of masks worn by individuals with halitosis during the COVID-19 pandemic."

Professor Lee investigated the saliva and oral microbial profiles on the inner surfaces of masks from a total of 50 patients: 25 patients without halitosis and 25 patients with halitosis, all of whom wore masks for more than three hours regularly. Additionally, oral bacteria causing halitosis were collected and analyzed using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method to measure the presence and quantity of bacterial species.

The analysis showed that methyl mercaptan, a type of volatile sulfur compound considered a primary cause of halitosis, was measured at higher levels in patients with bad breath. This level was found to be proportional to the duration of mask-wearing. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the increase in these levels was due to major gram-negative anaerobic bacteria among the oral microbiota.

Professor Lee stated, "Observing the increasing number of patients concerned about their bad breath after wearing masks, we hypothesized that bacteria could grow on the inner surface of masks, and that patients who already have halitosis might experience worsening symptoms. This hypothesis led to the initiation of this study." She added, "Although mask-wearing mandates have been adjusted, if you have halitosis, it is recommended to regularly replace your mask and focus on improving oral hygiene through brushing and antibacterial gargling."

Professor Yeonhee Lee, Department of Oral Medicine, Kyung Hee University Dental Hospital. [Photo by Kyung Hee University Dental Hospital]