Self-perceived and self-reported breath odour and the wearing of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objectives To assess the self-perception of breath odour and oral hygiene habits whilst the wearing of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Subjects and methods This cross-sectional study included 4647 individuals who answered a structured questionnaire containing demographic, medical and dental variables and self-perceived breath odour. Variables associated with changes in self-perceived breath odour, self-perceived halitosis and changes in oral hygiene habits were assessed through multivariate logistic regression. Results Changes in self-perceived breath odour were reported by 1,572 individuals and were associated with smoking, systemic conditions, dry mouth, tongue coating, the period of face mask use and its interaction with prior thinking of having bad breath. Likewise, 645 individuals started to consider having bad breath. This was associated with the interaction between prior family/friends saying they have bad breath and period of face mask use. Changes in oral hygiene habits were strongly associated with changes in self-perception of breath odour and starting to consider having bad breath. Conclusion Changes in one's self-perception of breath odour was associated with the wearing of face masks and was significant for changes in oral hygiene habits. Findings may be important to guide comprehensive preventive and therapeutic strategies in relation to oral health care.