COVID-19 : investigating the impact of face masks on Maltese adults’ behaviour and attitudes regarding oral health

Abstract

As implemented by the Maltese government in the form of preventive measures to deter the transmission of the COVID-19 virus, in accordance to the guidelines published by the WHO (World Health Organization, 2020), the use of face masks became an integral part of pandemic times, to the extent of being mandated. Considering the duration with which such masks were donned, this study explores the hypothesis of face mask use affecting the oral health of the minority of adults living in Malta including ‘mask mouth’ symptoms, dental-service seeking behaviour and oral hygiene habits using the specified research question below. A cross-sectional qualitative online survey was conducted and 419 respondents recruited, with statistical analysis demonstrating the mask wearing behaviour of Maltese adults, the significant relationships between mask wearing and oral health & general health while outlining smokers as high risk for ‘mask mouth’. Implications of this study include improving preventive advice during public health crises such as pandemics and to improve awareness of mask mouth in health care settings. Population – adults residing in Malta Intervention – the daily use of face masks related to the COVID-19 pandemic Comparison – (not present) Outcome – affect behaviour and attitudes towards oral health