Effect of Wearing Face Masks on Salivary Parameters and Halitosis

Effect of Wearing Face Masks on Oral Health

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, the use of face masks is recommended / mandatory to prevent infection. Patients and students have reported to experience limitations in their oral health-related quality of life, especially with regard to the occurrence of dry mouth and halitosis, while wearing face masks.

Scientific studies regarding the effects of face masks have so far focused exclusively on medical staff. Studies among the general population are not yet available, but are of interest as dry mouth is a risk factor for dental diseases (e.g., caries, erosion).

Therefore, the present study aims at measuring the effect of wearing different face masks on salivary parameters (unstimulated and stimulated saliva flow rate, pH, buffer capacity) and halitosis (volatile sulphur compounds).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Oral healthy adult volunteers who are able to give written consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Non-fulfillment of the inclusion criteria
• Denied access to the University Medical Center Goettingen at the Corona screening
• Exemption from wearing a face mask for medical reasons
• Medical reasons hindering participants from refraining eating and drinking prior (except for water) or during the visits
• Hyposalivation / xerostomia (unstimulated saliva < 0.3 mL/min, stimulated saliva < 0.7 mL/min)
• Refusal to use fluoridated toothpastes
• Smoking