Mask mouth: A Novel Threat to Oral cavity

Abstract

There is a new public health crisis threatening the world with the emergence and spread of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Covid 19 is transmitted by inhalation or contact with infected droplets. The symptoms are usually fever, cough, sore throat, breathlessness, fatigue, malaise among others. The disease is mild in most people; in some (usually the elderly and those with comorbidities), it may progress to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multi organ dysfunction. Many people are asymptomatic. Masks act as a simple barrier and help stop respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people. However, wearing a mask for an extended period can create unwanted side effects, such as mask mouth.