Investigation the effect of wearing N95 respirators during COVID-19 pandemic on salivary PH and flow rate of dentistry stuffs and students of QAZVIN Dental Faculty

Abstract

Abstract Background: Recent pandemic (covid-19) led to wearing face masks for hours a day by healthcare workers. The effect of wearing N95 respirators on salivary pH and flow rate during the COVID-19 pandemic evaluated in this study. Methods: In this semi-experimental study recruited 100 participants. They asked to use the standard face masks (N95 respirators) for 4 hours and then salivary pH and flow rate was evaluated. Data analysis was done using SPSS software version 23. Results: There wasn’t a statistically significant difference between mean values of salivary pH and its secretion flow rate before and after mask use with respect to smoking and drinking alcohol status. T Pre- and post-mask analysis demonstrated that the mean salivary pH value differed significantly among participants with positive history of COVID-19, but not the flow rate. Conclusion: According to the present study, the pH values and salivary flow rate did not change before and after using the face masks, but among the people who had a history of covid-19, the salivary pH value changed.