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 performing a questionnaire survey regarding self-perceived dry mouth and halitosis and the use of face masks (type, wearing time).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
3,750
Patients, visitors, and staff members of the University Medical Center Goettingen are invited to participate within our survey study. Study participation has no effect on any medical treatment.
University Medical Center Goettingen, Dept. of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Cariology
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Self-perceived dry mouth
Questionnaire items based on the shortened Xerostomia Inventory
Time frame: During the 1 day of questionnaire survey
Self-perceived halitosis
Questionnaire items
Time frame: During the 1 day of questionnaire survey
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