How to Correctly Wear a Face Mask

COVID-19 is spread through infected respiratory droplets that are dispersed when a sick person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. As more studies are being conducted, researchers are discovering that many cases of COVID-19 present no or very few symptoms. Since this means that people may be contagious with the virus without knowing it, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that Americans wear face masks and coverings in public areas. Read on as your Pleasant Grove dentist explains how to properly wear a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Do Face Masks Protect Against COVID-19?

Face masks are designed to protect the wearer from liquids and certain pathogens. However, since they do not form a tight seal around the nose and mouth, they cannot filter out small airborne particles like COVID-19. Nonetheless, there are several ways that a face mask can help keep you and those around you safe from the coronavirus.

Since face masks can repel larger particles, they can block splashes or sprays of body fluids like saliva that may be infected with COVID-19. A face covering may also help reduce the wearer’s risk of transferring germs from their hands to their face. Perhaps most importantly, they play a major role in preventing the wearer from spreading germs in the case that they are sick and contagious without knowing it.

The Right Way to Wear a Face Mask

Wearing a face mask correctly may not be as simple a task as you think. Carelessly handling one could increase your risk of getting sick. To correctly put on a face mask, follow these steps:

1. First, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or disinfect your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. Position the mask so that the colored side is facing outward and that the metallic, bendable strip is above your nose, if your mask has one.
3. Use the ear loops, elastic bands, or strings to secure the mask in place. Be sure to avoid touching any other part of the mask.
4. If your mask has a metal strip, mold it to the shape of your nose by pinching it gently.
5. Pull the bottom of the mask over your chin.

What to Avoid When Wearing a Face Mask

While wearing your mask it’s important to remember that there may be infectious particles on it. To prevent spreading those germs to yourself or others, keep in mind these extra precautions:

• Don’t touch the mask once it’s in place.
• If you do touch your mask, wash your hands afterwards.
• Don’t reuse a single-use mask.
• Keep the mask around both your nose and your mouth.
• Don’t let the mask dangle around your neck or from one ear.

Remember, wearing a face mask doesn’t protect you from COVID-19 as well as social distancing does. However, if you’re planning on going to a public area, keep yourself and your community as safe as possible by wearing one correctly.

About the Practice

At Bear Creek Family Dentistry, nothing is more important than the wellbeing of our patients and staff. Now more than ever, we encourage everyone to practice excellent at-home oral hygiene and take extra steps to avoid a dental emergency. However, if you or a loved one is in need of emergency dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are keeping all our offices spotless and germ-free to safeguard your health during your visit. If you have more questions or concerns, feel free to contact them via their website or their Pleasant Grove office at (214) 381-3800.