How does the continued use of the mask affect the craniofacial region? A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Objective The aim was to compare the effects between pre‐pandemic mask‐free living versus pandemic‐related continuous mask use. Methods A retrospective study was carried out. This study was conducted with 542 face mask users. Assessments included presence, frequency and impact of headache, temporomandibular disorders, and quality of life (QoL). Results Continuous mask use had a large main effect on headache, temporomandibular pain, and QoL (p .05; d = .06). QoL decreased regardless of mask type (p < .05; d = .21), the decrease being 38% for surgical masks, and 31% for either cloth or FFP2 masks. Conclusions Continuous mask use, regardless of type, increased existence of headache, headache impact, temporomandibular pain, and reduced QoL.

Keywords

• face mask
• headache
• impact
• pandemic
• protection
• quality of life