Prolonged mask wearing and its adverse effects among dentists during COVID-19

Abstract

Background: Dental health-care professionals are at high risk to get infected by COVID-19 due to its spread through droplet infections. The close proximity with the patients during oral examination and treatment is added risk for this infection. Therefore, dentists are recommended to wear mask for prolonged period of time. However, prolonged mask wearing (PMW) leads to various adverse side effects. Hence, the present study is undertaken to identify adverse effects due to PMW among dentists during COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was designed to enquire about the adverse effects of PMW during COVID-19. The digital questionnaire was circulated among 1000 dentists via mail and WhatsApp, and the data were obtained within 30 days. Results: The results indicated that prolonged wearing of mask led to suffocation along with intermittent mouth breathing. Dentists, who wore ear-supported mask or head-supported masks, experienced ear pain and redness of skin behind ear, itching and prickly heat, and dryness of mouth and nose. Other ill effects such as fogging and malpositioning of spectacles, speaking loudly, difficulty in hearing, headache, and tension in muscles of mastication were also noted. Conclusion: The study recommends intermittent breaks during work and appropriate measures to prevent the ill effects of PMW for self-care of dentists during this pandemic.