It is crucial to wear a mask in public to help slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. It is required in schools and many business establishments.

These tips below are adapted from the CDC and Mayo Clinic guidance on how to wear and care for a cloth mask:

How to wear cloth face coverings?

Cloth face coverings should:

• Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face.

• Be secured with ties or ear loops.

• Include multiple layers of fabric.

• Allow for breathing without restriction.

• Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.

How often should cloth face coverings be washed or otherwise cleaned?

Cloth face coverings should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use. Mayo Clinic recommends that cloth face coverings be washed after every day of use.

How do I store my cloth mask?

Masks should not be placed in pockets for later use. To store or transport, carefully fold the mask so the contaminated outside is folded inward and against itself. Place in clean or new paper bag, and perform hand hygiene.

How can I safely clean a cloth face covering?

Machine washing or hand washing should suffice to properly wash a cloth face covering with regular laundry detergent. Mayo Clinic recommends a ‘hot’ water temperature for washing face coverings.

How do I safely remove a used cloth face covering?

When removing a cloth face covering, be careful not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth, and perform hand hygiene immediately after removing.

It is important to remember the efficacy of using a cloth face mask. Picking what you wear as a face covering makes a critical difference. Chin visors, T-shirt masks, neck gaiters and bandanas are simply not as effective and offer far less protection for you and others around you. Make the smart choice and pick wisely.

Here at Sparkles Dentistry, we hope that as we hear the latest positive cases in the news (even at the highest levels in our government), that we all take the right steps to make the appropriate mask choices for our public health nd safety.