COVID-19 Pandemic: Effect of Different Face Masks on Self-Perceived Dry Mouth and Halitosis

Philipp Kanzow, Viktoria Dylla, Alannah Malina Mahler, Valentina Hrasky, Tina Rödig, Felix Barre, Simone Scheithauer and Annette Wiegand
Additional contact information
Philipp Kanzow: Department of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Cariology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
Viktoria Dylla: Department of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Cariology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
Alannah Malina Mahler: Department of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Cariology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
Valentina Hrasky: Department of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Cariology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
Tina Rödig: Department of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Cariology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
Felix Barre: Institute of Infection Control and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
Simone Scheithauer: Institute of Infection Control and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
Annette Wiegand: Department of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Cariology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 17, 1-7

Abstract: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of face masks has increased, resulting in potential health-related side-effects. Therefore, the study aimed to analyse the effect of wearing face masks on self-perceived dry mouth and halitosis. A questionnaire addressing the daily wearing time of different face masks (community masks, surgical/medical masks and KN95-/N95-/FFP2-masks) and self-perceived dry mouth and halitosis was given to adults attending or working at a university hospital. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test and multiple linear regression analysis ( p < 0.05). 3750 participants (age: 50.4 ± 15.5 years; 60.0% female) were included. During the pandemic, face masks were used for 4.7 ± 3.8 h per day: community masks: 0.9 ± 2.0 h, medical/surgical masks: 1.9 ± 2.8 h and KN95-/N95-/FFP2-masks: 1.9 ± 2.5 h per day. The use of face masks significantly increased self-perceived dry mouth and halitosis (both p < 0.001). Self-perceived dry mouth and halitosis increased with increasing wearing time (community masks: dry mouth: p < 0.001, halitosis: p = 0.014; medical/surgical masks: both: p < 0.001; KN95-/N95-/FFP2-masks: dry mouth: p < 0.001, halitosis: p = 0.011). The perception of dry mouth and halitosis was increased in females compared to males (both: p < 0.001). Participants used to wearing face masks prior to the pandemic perceived dry mouth to a higher extent ( p = 0.043). Self-perceived halitosis was lower in older than in younger participants ( p < 0.001). Due to the increased perception of dry mouth and halitosis, people might abstain from wearing face masks. Further studies need to analyse measurable changes in dry mouth or halitosis.

Keywords: COVID-19; dry mouth; face masks; halitosis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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