COVID-19 Pandemic: Effect of Different Face Masks on Self-Perceived Dry Mouth and Halitosis
2021-08-31 | journal article; research paper. A publication with affiliation to the University of Göttingen.
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COVID-19 Pandemic: Effect of Different Face Masks on Self-Perceived Dry Mouth and Halitosis
Kanzow, P. C. ; Dylla, V.; Mahler, A. M.; Hrasky, V.; Rödig, T. ; Barre, F. & Scheithauer, S. et al. (2021)
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(17) art. 9180. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18179180
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Details
- Authors
- Kanzow, Philipp Clemens ; Dylla, Viktoria; Mahler, Alannah Malina; Hrasky, Valentina; Rödig, Tina ; Barre, Felix; Scheithauer, Simone ; Wiegand, Annette
- 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.
- Issue Date
- 31-August-2021
- Journal
- International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
- Organization
- Poliklinik für Präventive Zahnmedizin, Parodontologie und Kariologie ; Institut für Krankenhaushygiene und Infektiologie
- eISSN
- 1660-4601
- Language
- English
- Subject(s)
- COVID-19; dry mouth; face masks; halitosis
- Sponsor
- Open Access Publication Funds of Göttingen University
Open-Access-Publikationsfonds 2021