Questionnaire Regarding the 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 performing a questionnaire survey regarding self-perceived dry mouth and halitosis and the use of face masks (type, wearing time).