ISSN : 2663-2187

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SELF-PERCEIVED XEROSTOMIA AND HALITOSIS WITH MASK MOUTH SYNDROME IN SERVICE SECTOR WORKERS - A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

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Charumathi Dhanushkodi1*, Jagannatha G.V2, Nagappan N2, Nagaland T2, Cyril Benedict2
» doi: 10.33472/AFJBS.6.5.2024. 5971-5984

Abstract

Background: Mask Mouth syndrome usually occurs when the nose and mouth are covered by a face mask for a prolonged duration of time (>6–8 hours), causing dryness in the mouth and halitosis. Service sector workers are the ones who are exposed to the social environment largely during a pandemic and they are bound to use face masks for prolonged periods without adequate breaks. Methodology: The study included 400 service sector workers belonging to various departments like the health sector, traffic, and using masks for prolonged periods in various parts of Tamil Nadu. Data was collected from them using a Google form about their mask usage, self-perceived Xerostomia using the Thomson Inventory scale, and halitosis and awareness about mask mouth syndrome. Descriptive analysis was performed and the Chi-square test and univariate regression analysis were used.

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