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. 2023 Oct 12;23(1):1992.
doi: 10.1186/s12889-023-16936-6.

Correlation between use of different type protective facemasks and the oral ecosystem

Simonetta D'Ercole  1 , Paolo Parisi  2 , Sara D'Arcangelo  3 , Felice Lorusso  4 , Luigina Cellini  3 , Tatiane Cristina Dotta  2   5 , Maristella Di Carmine  4 , Morena Petrini  2 , Antonio Scarano  4 , Domenico Tripodi  2
Affiliations

Correlation between use of different type protective facemasks and the oral ecosystem

Simonetta D'Ercole et al. BMC Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: Spread worldwide through droplets, the Virus Sars-Cov-19 has caused a global health emergency alarm. In order to limit its spread, the use of masks has become part of the daily life of the entire population, however, little is known about its constant use and the changes generated in the oral cavity. This work aims to investigate correlations between the continuous use of masks covering the nose and mouth for 3 h and changes in the ecological factors of the oral cavity.

Methods: 34 volunteers were divided into 2 groups: wear only the filtering facepiece code 2 (FFP2) mask (Group A) and wear the FFP2 mask covered by a surgical mask (Group B). Measurement of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), saliva rehydration and consistency test, collection of basal saliva and saliva stimulated with paraffin gum and mucosal swab were collected and analyzed at two times: before using the mask(s) (T0) and 3 h after continuous use of the mask(s) (T1).

Results: The results indicated a significant difference between the groups, in which the basal saliva volume and pH and the peaks of VOCs increased for group B between T0 and T1. The rehydration time decreased and the volume and pH of the stimulated saliva increased, but with no significant difference between the groups. Furthermore, group B showed a significant decrease in Candida albicans Colony Forming Units (CFUs) and Total Bacterial Count (TBC) between T0 and T1.

Conclusion: It is concluded that the prolonged use of the FFP2 mask covered by a surgical mask can generate oral alterations in the user.

Keywords: COVID-19; FFP2 mask; Face mask; Oral cavity; Oral ecosystem; PPE.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest relevant to this article.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Integrative VOC sensor and pump device
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Hands-on demonstration of the rehydration test
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Sampling of the mucous membranes with a cotton swab
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Mean of difference of T1-T0 and relative standard deviation of the rehydration in 2 groups
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Mean of difference of T1-T0 and relative standard deviation of the basal saliva in 2 groups
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Mean of difference of T1-T0 and relative standard deviation of the basal saliva pH in 2 groups
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Mean of difference of T1-T0 and relative standard deviation of the stimulated saliva in 2 groups
Fig. 8
Fig. 8
Mean of difference of T1-T0 and relative standard deviation of the stimulated saliva pH in 2 groups
Fig. 9
Fig. 9
Mean of difference of T1-T0 and relative standard deviation of the TBC in 2 groups
Fig. 10
Fig. 10
Mean of difference of T1-T0 and relative standard deviation of the Candida spp. CFU in 2 groups
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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