EFFECTS OF WEARING MASKS DURING PANDEMIC ON ORAL HYGIENE PRACTICES, ORAL CONDITIONS,ESTHETIC CONCERN AND DENTAL CARE IN KERALITES

Abstract

AIM: Through this research we are trying to find out the effect of wearing facemasks on oral hygiene practices, oral conditions, esthetic concern and dental esthetics. METHODOLOGY: A cross sectional study was conducted among the natives of Kerala State aged between 15- 30 years. Descriptive analysis and Chi square tests were used to analyze the collected data. RESULTS: 92.5% of participants who wear mask for less than 3 hours in a day experience an increase in tooth decay or gum disease after obligatory use of facemask. 76.5% of participants who wear mask for more than 8 hours feel confident to interact with people. CONCLUSION: Due to obligatory use of facemask, chances of occurrence of tooth decay or gum disease is significantly increased.With the use of facemask, people must be motivated for maintaining oral hygiene habits.People felt more confidence in interacting with people while wearing mask,so dentist must be aware of reduction in number of patients.

KEY WORDS: Oral hygiene, Face mask, Dental esthetics