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

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 < .0001; d = 1.25), but this effect was nuanced by mask type. Participants who declared suffering from headache increased by 84% with cloth masks, and by 25% with FFP2 masks. Temporomandibular pain increased by 50% and by 39% when wearing surgical masks and FFP2, respectively (p < .06; d = .19). The mask type did not nuance the effect on headache impact (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.